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ENCOURAGEMENT IN ADVERSITY

A word to those in small gatherings

F. S. Marsh

Many of the Lord’s people are found in places where the

brethren who assemble are few.

These conditions are testing, and may become exceedingly

so, but the Lord would encourage the thought that there are

great possibilities for God from such companies. The

instances recorded in the Scriptures where even three persons

were found together, with great spiritual results, are worthy of

earnest attention, and give assurance that divine resources

are available in such conditions.

In the days of the prophet Samuel, the state of the people was

very distressing. There had been a serious departure from

God, and the people were seeking a king. In the tenth chapter

of the first book of Samuel, the Spirit of God draws aside the

curtain and discloses that in such dark days there were three

men “going up to God” (1 Samuel 10: 3) with Bethel, the house

of God, as their objective. There were found, in such a day,

those on the upward path—worshippers, who had God’s glory,

His interests, and service at heart.

Saul, whom we may regard as representing a young believer

needing stimulation and encouragement, was directed by

Samuel to them.

How many believers have been spiritually developed as the

result of being put into touch with those who are “going up to

God”—even if there are only three of them; such a gathering of

“true worshippers”, though small, has a great spiritual

influence. It is excellent soil in which the tender plants of the

Father’s planting may grow!