April 25, 2011 (to fulfill a certain end)

to fulfill a certain end

“There may be circumstances in your earthly lot
which at this moment are peculiarly trying.
You look around and wonder
how this or that circumstance will terminate.
At present it looks very dark -
clouds and mists hang over it,
and you fear lest these clouds may break,
not in showers upon your head,
but burst forth in the lightning flash
and the thunder stroke!
But all things are put in subjection under Christ's feet!
That which you dread cannot take place
except by His sovereign will -
nor can it move any further
except by His supreme disposal.
Then make yourself quiet.
He will not allow you to be harmed.
That frowning providence shall only
execute His sovereign purposes,
and it shall be among those all things which,
according to His promise,
shall work together for your good.
None of our trials come upon us by chance!
They are all appointed in weight and measure -
are all designed to fulfill a certain end.
And however painful they may at present be,
yet they are intended for your good.
When the trial comes upon you,
what a help it would be for you
if you could view it thus,
‘This trial is sent for my good.
It does not spring out of the dust.
The Lord Himself is the supreme disposer of it.
It is very painful to bear;
but let me believe that
He has appointed me this peculiar trial,
along with every other circumstance.
He will bring about His own will therein,
and either remove the trial,
or give me patience under it,
and submission to it.”
- J.C. Philpot