Tuesday morning I decided to read Spurgeon’s daily devotional (you can find it online by clicking here).
The meditation was based on John 16:33 and I found it especially encouraging. I have been reading it every day this week…and I thought I would share part of it with you today…
How can I look to be at home in the enemy’s country, joyful while in exile, or comfortable in a wilderness? This is not my rest. This is the place of the furnace, and the forge, and the hammer….
I note how He bids me “be of good cheer.” Alas! I am far too apt to be downcast. My spirit soon sinks when I am sorely tried. But I must not give way to this feeling. When my Lord bids me cheer up I must not dare to be cast down.
What is the argument which He uses to encourage me? Why, it is His own victory. He says, “I have overcome the world.” His battle was much more severe than mine. I have not yet resisted unto blood.
Why do I despair of overcoming? See, my soul, the enemy has been once overcome. I fight with a beaten foe. O world, Jesus has already vanquished thee; and in me, by His grace, He will overcome thee again. Therefore am I of good cheer and sing unto my conquering Lord.
(taken from Spurgeon’s daily devotion, Tuesday May 31st–you can read daily online here)
Pastor Al Gilbert 