Spurgeon: July PM
* 07/25/PM
"In their affliction they will seek Me early."
--Hosea 5:15
Losses and adversities are frequently the means which the
great Shepherd uses to fetch home His wandering 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 then they will submit to the tamer's hand; and
often have we seen the Christian rendered obedient to the Lord's
will by straitness of bread and hard labour. When rich and
increased in goods many professors carry their heads much too
loftily, and speak exceeding boastfully. Like David, they
flatter themselves, "My mountain standeth fast; I shall never be
moved." When the Christian groweth wealthy, is in good repute,
hath good health, and a happy family, he too often admits Mr.
Carnal Security to feast at his table, and then if he be a true
child of God there is a rod preparing for him. Wait awhile, and
it may be you will see his substance melt away as a dream. There
goes a portion of his estate--how soon the acres change hands.
That debt, that dishonoured bill--how fast his losses roll in,
where will they end? It is a blessed sign of divine life if when
these embarrassments occur one after another he begins to be
distressed about his backslidings, and betakes himself to his
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, findeth
no other means of making us honour Him among men, He will cast
us into the deep; if we fail to honour 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."