September 26

Once a Christian experiences God's precious love he does not dread suffering or affliction; he knows the Father will not hurt His own child. I have often wondered about Isaac's peace and patience in submitting to be bound for a sacrifice when he saw the knife so near his throat. We know he was not a mere child because Abraham asked him to carry the load of wood. Some say he may have been more than twenty years old, certainly mature enough to be apprehensive of death. Yet the some had such complete confidence in the authority of his father that he did not struggle, but put his life into his hands. If anyone else had held the weapon he could not have trusted as he did. We must remember whoever may be the instrument of trouble to a saint, the sword is always in God's control. Because Christ saw the cup in His Father's hand He took it willingly.

A soul with God's peace is an heir of God. Kinship to heaven carries this benefit: "If children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). Such a privilege lifts the Christian above any fear of suffering he might have had. For example, a few sweet meditations on this truth raised Paul's soul into a place where the troubles of this life could not discourage him: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). He refused to let himself or any other Christian undervalue the inheritance or the love of God that settled this glory on him by dwelling on the severity of suffering. It is as if he asked, "Has God made us His heirs, and given us heaven, for us to sit down and moan about a few minor problems in our short lives?" How important can suffering be, compared to the vast circumference of eternity that we will spend worshiping at the feet of Jesus?

Return to Menu
Previous Devotions