January 30, 2009

sore testings

“We need have only one care,

that we put the first thing first -

faithfulness to God.

Then all else we need for both worlds

will be supplied.

Yet we must make sure

that we do not fail in our part.

God will never fail us;

but we forget, sometimes,

in our rejoicing over such an assurance,

that we must fulfill our part

if we would claim the divine promise.

It will not always be easy.

Tomorrow it may mean a distasteful task,

a disagreeable duty, a costly sacrifice

for one who does not seem worthy.

Life is full of sore testings of our willingness

to follow the Good Shepherd.

We have not the slightest right

to claim this assurance,

unless we have taken Christ

as the guide of our life.”

- J. R. Miller