Therefore We Will Not Be Afraid

The Lord has been teaching me patience and joy through burdens and afflictions. It's hard for me to even call them by those names, because what I go through pales so greatly in comparison to what others endure and most importantly what Christ endured. The reality is that every believer on the face of the earth will at some point in their life encounter hardship. Whether it be a hard fight against sin, bearing burdens, a long term illness or just the trials of life. Sometimes we can think we don't have the strength to walk through another trials or defeat another sin and we would be right. The kind of strength needed for that can only come from God. Like I've said before, I see that sin and trials keep me on my knees and close to the cross. And like a speaker said at a recent conference I attended, "It's better to be tormented by Satan, than to be proud." The following quote encouraged me today...as well as the thought that God is able and willing to make perfect His strength in our weakness.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble! Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas!" Psalm 46:1-2

November 2, 1761

My dear sister,

Let us not be greatly discouraged at the many tribulations, difficulties and disappointments which lie in the path which leads to glory. Our Lord has plainly told us, that "in this world, you will have many trials and sorrows." Yet He has also made a suitable provision for every case we can meet with; and is Himself always near to those who call upon Him—as a sure refuge, an almighty strength, a never-failing, ever-present help in every time of trouble!

Jesus Himself was a man of sorrow, and acquainted with grief for our sakes. He drank the whole cup of unmixed wrath for us! Shall we then refuse to taste a sip of the cup of affliction at His appointment; especially when His wisdom and His love prepare it for us—and He proportions every circumstance to our strength; when He puts it into our hands, not in anger—but in tender mercy—to do us good, to bring us near to Himself; and when He sweetens every bitter sip with those comforts which none but He can give." - john newton