November 18

God does not take up the ax of His sovereignty into His hand to make chips. When He has pruned severely and driven His ax the deepest, His people may expect some beautiful piece of work when all is finished.

It is sweet to meditate on Romans 8:28. "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God." If you should get up some morning and hear men on your house tearing off the tiles and taking down the roof with hammers and axes, you might think a gang of vicious enemies had come to destroy your home. But as soon as you understand that these workmen have been sent by your father to mend your house, you gladly endure the noise and trouble. Indeed, you thank your father for his care and expense. The very hope of the advantage that will come from the repairs makes you willing to dwell awhile in the inconvenient rubble of the old house.

The promise assures the believer that the heavenly Father intends no harm, only good, as He rebuilds the ruined frame of your soul into a glorious temple. And afflictions have a hand in the work. This insight frees you to pray, "Lord, cut and shape me however You will, that at last I may be framed according to the pattern which Your love has drawn for me!" Some ignorant men fear the fuller's soap might spoil their clothing, but one who understands what refining means will not be afraid.

Hope quiets the Christian's spirit when God waits a long time before He comes to perform promises. I have already told you that patience is the back where the Christian carries his burdens, and hope the pillow between the back and the burden. Now patience has two shoulders, one to bear the present evil and another to wait for the future good promised but not yet paid. And as hope makes the burden of the present cross light, it makes the longest delay of promised good seem short.

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