In Time of Trouble

When South African pastor Andrew Murray was visiting England in 1895, he began to suffer pain from a previous back injury. While he was recuperating, his hostess told him of a woman who was in great trouble and wanted to know if he had any counsel for her. Murray said, "Give her this paper which I have been writing for my own [encouragement]. It may be that she will find it helpful." This is what Murray wrote:

"In time of trouble say: 

God will keep us by His love. By His grace, we can rest in Him. 

First—God brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place. In that I will rest. 

Next—He will keep me in His love and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child. 

Then—He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He meant to bestow. 

Last—In His good time He can bring me out again—how and when He knows. 

I am here—by God's appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time."

* * * * * * * * *  

This story is from David Jeremiah's book, What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do and appeared recently in Our Daily Bread.