An Appeal To Reason And Faith # 2

 An Appeal To Reason And Faith # 2

In order to calm your mind in trouble, to compose your spirits under losses and crosses, remember that God acts in infinite wisdom. His plan, according to which He governs the world, and manages the affairs of every individual - is the perfection of wisdom. It will admit of no improvement. To alter it - would be to injure it. Whatever God does - He purposes to do; and whatever God purposed to do - is infinitely wise and good.

God's motives are just and gracious. God always has a reason for what He does - though He may not reveal it. Whatever He does - is prompted by His justice and grace. He is just to all - but gloriously gracious to His own people. Whatever God has purposed to do, or permit - is worthy of Himself. We often act unworthily, and repent of doing it, feeling ashamed of it; but God never does anything, or permits anything - which is unworthy of His nature and character. We may not see this now, for His work is not finished, His plan is not fully carried out; and until it is, "it is the glory of God to conceal a thing!" But He has told us for our comfort, "You do not realize now what I am doing - but later you will understand."

The least we can do is to submit; we ought to approve and acquiesce. True, many things are very painful to flesh and blood, and are very trying to faith and patience; but we have only to give God time to explain Himself - and all will be made clear and plain. Then we shall see why it was that we were: robbed of our property, bereaved of our children, separated from our friends, deprived of our health, and persecuted by the world. "The day shall reveal it!" And we shall see what we now profess to believe, that God is too wise to err - and too good to be unkind.!

Oh, Christian, you should prefer God's wisdom, way, and work - to your own! Whatever He does - He does well! In all He does - He keeps your good and His own glory in view! And, therefore, when you are displeased with any of His dispensations, He asks you, "Should it be according to your mind?"

Unconverted sinner, God has devised and revealed a way of salvation, in which He can save you, and if you submit, He will save you - but only in His own way, which is entirely of free grace. Your own works count for nothing, neither your prayers, nor tears, nor efforts - will count at all in the matter; it is all of grace, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Against this, your proud heart will rise; to it, you will perhaps raise many objections - but if you do, God's question to you is, "Should it be according to your mind!" Whose will is to be consulted - the will of the Saviour - or of those who need to be saved by Him?

He has devised a way in infinite wisdom, He has determined to save in that way, though it cost Him the life of His only begotten Son, and He is willing and able to save unto the uttermost, all who come unto God by Him. Are you anxious to be saved by Him? to be delivered from the wrath to come, to be entitled to and prepared for heaven? If so, God is willing to save you, and to you He says at this moment, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ - and you shall be saved!" "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him!"

"Should I do just as you imagine - ought I to consult your whims? Should it be according to your mind?" (Job 34:33).

~James Smith~

(The End)