A LITTLE STRENGTH

A LITTLE STRENGTH

In these dispensations of God towards His people there is a voice to us - viz., that our true strength is not in knowing that we may turn to Him when nature’s wine is out, but in our knowing Him and enjoying Him as better and superior to any other - brighter to our hearts than our brightest day in nature. Then, if we are given natural joys and blessings, we may use them as one would light wines, knowing that we have on our table the wine of the best vintage - that which surpasses all others, and remains when all others run out.

I like your thought that in principle every true one, at any time, was really a Philadelphian - a little strength ensures it. A Philadelphian swims, no matter how deep the evil and difficulties here. He rises above them - a Daniel in Babylon, an Anna when Christ came, the widow giving all her living when He was leaving this world. May you be braced up to resist and buffet the waves with lusty sinews. How triumphant we ought to be!

The sense of being right gives courage - moral strength - it is the breastplate of righteousness. There is a sense of ease in your true place which never could be known in any other. The greatness of an achievement need not discourage you if there be heart and purpose, like Nehemiah, to address yourself to it. The pebble of the brook hurled in faith lays prostrate the power that overcomes one naturally and defies one.