LOSSES, ADVERSARIES AND ADVERSITIES!

Losses, adversaries and adversities are frequently the means which the great Shepherd uses to fetch home His wondering sheep; like fierce dogs they worry the wanderers back to the fold.

There is no making lions tame if they are too well fed; they must be brought down from their great strength, and their stomachs must be lowered, and they will submit to the tamer’s hand; and often I have seen myself rendered obedient to the Lord’s “will” by straitens of bread and labor.

When rich and increased in goods we carry our heads much too loftily, and speak exceeding boastfully. Like King David, we flatter ourselves, “My Mountain stands fast; I shall never be moved.”

When we grow wealthy, is in good repute, have good health, and a happy family, we too often admits “Mr. Carnal Security” to fest at the table, and then if we are a true child of God there is a rod waiting for us.

Wait awhile, and it maybe we will see our substance melt away as a dream. There goes a portion of our estate – how soon the acres change hands. That debt; that dishonored bill – how fast our losses roll in, where will they end? It is a blessed sign of divine life if when these embarrassments occur one after another we begin to be distressed about our apostasy, and betakes us to our God.

Blessed are the waves that wash the mariner upon the rock of salvation! Losses in business are often sanctified to our soul’s enriching. If the chosen soul will not come to the Lord full-handed, it shall come empty. If God, in His grace, finds the no other means of making us honor Him on the pinnacle of riches, He will bring us into the valley of poverty. Yet faint not, heir of sorrow, when thou art thus rebuked, rather recognize the loving hand which chastens, and say, “I will arise, and go unto my Father.”