Success and happiness in the Christian life do not always depend upon
favorable surroundings; under the most adverse and trying circumstances
men and women have made the greatest strides in spiritual advancement
and power. There may be occasional sorrows and suffering along the way,
but shall these things cast a gloom over our lives, even though at times
they be prolonged and severe? By no means should we allow opposition,
persecution, sorrow, suffering, mistakes, blunders, failures, and such
like to cause defeat and a giving way to discouragement. The discouraged
person is "no good," no matter where you find him. We must rise in the
midst of our trials and in the name and strength of the Lord shake off
discouragements.
Trials will come, but what of it? Others have had just as severe trials,
and have surmounted them, and you and I can do the same. There will be
times when oppressions will be felt that seem grievous to bear; when even
the humble followers of Christ will feel that the lines of communication
between them and the Lord have been severed; when prayers will seem to
fall to the earth and the heavens seem as brass, and the burdened soul
will cry out for help when there seems to be no help. At such times
there needs to be a patient waiting upon the Lord, heart-searching, and
humble submission to his will. Under such circumstances it is well to
heed the advice of the Psalmist: "Wait patiently upon the Lord, and he
shall bring it to pass." Then is the time to trust and not be afraid.
It was at such a time that Jesus felt that his burden was more than he
could bear and asked that, if possible, the cup of suffering be removed,
that he might not have to pass through the severe ordeal that was facing
him. His humanity weakened and shuddered at the approach of the greatest
trial of his life. But he humbly submitted and said, "Father, not my
will, but thy will, be done." It was then that angels came and ministered
unto him; the gates of glory were thrown open, the burden was gone, and
he could go forth as a captive set free.
As he left that place of prayer, that place of victory, it was to
face the foe in the hottest of the fight. Although he was upheld by
the unseen presence of the Father and strengthened by the angels,
nevertheless in the darkest hour of the conflict he cried out, "My God,
my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" But even in this final test he said,
"Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit." This was followed by the
unprecedented glories of the resurrection. What a wonderful lesson to
us of submission and trust!