Today's Devotions

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Showcase: Assorted Treats

  • Warfare Spirituality +

    The Trinity function as farmers of our souls, actively caring for God’s creation: an ongoing, radical reclamation of His creation. Read More
  • Walking in Marvelous Light: Father, Spirit, Jesus-Casting Crowns +

    The Beautiful Trinity--- Lord, the worship we bring Is more than songs that we sing It's a reflection of our Read More
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spurgeonSufferers Make Strong Believers

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. (Lamentations 3:27)

This is as good as a promise. It has been good, it is good, and it will be good for me to bear the yoke.

Early in life I had to feel the weight of conviction, and ever since it has proved a soul-enriching burden. Should I have loved the gospel so well had I not learned by deep experience the need of salvation by grace? Jabez was more honorable than his brethren because his mother bare him with sorrow, and those who suffer much in being born unto God make strong believers in sovereign grace.

The yoke of censure is an irksome one, but it prepares a man for future honor. He is not fit to be a leader who has not run the gauntlet of contempt. Praise intoxicates if it be not preceded by abuse. Men who rise to eminence without struggle usually fall into dishonor.

The yoke of affliction, disappointment, and excessive labor is by no means to be sought for; but when the Lord lays it on us in our youth, it frequently develops a character which glorifies God and blesses the church.

Come, my soul, bow thy neck; take up they cross. It was good for thee when young; it will not harm thee now. For Jesus' sake, shoulder it carefully.

 

Reflections to Consider

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Publications

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Music

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Audio & Video

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Favorites

  • On Easter Eggs: CS Lewis +

    There is a stage in a child's life at which it cannot separate the religious from the merely festal character Read More
  • What are we to make of Christ? by CS Lewis +

    Now, as a literary historian, I am perfectly convinced that whatever else the Gospels are they are not legends. I Read More
  • What are we to make of Christ? (2) CS Lewis +

    On the one side clear, definite moral teaching. On the other, claims which, if not true, are those of a Read More
  • Petty talk (CS Lewis) +

    Many people have a very strong desire to meet celebrated or 'important' people, including those of whom they disapprove, from Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Introduction to The Death of Death..by JI Packer +

    INTRODUCTORY ESSAY ___ to John Owen's The Death Of Death in the Death of Christ ___ By J.I. Packer _________ Read More
  • An Interview with Os Guiness on the 25th Anniversary of Francis Schaeffer's Death-Justin Taylor, 2009 +

    Next week (May 15) will be the 25th anniversary of the death of Francis Schaeffer, who died in his home Read More
  • Fate Worse than Death? Julie Moore +

    Jephthah's unfortunatedaughterMy journey through the Bible, which, I'll admit, sometimes feels like a slog, uncovers some pretty crazy things. Read More
  • DEATH HAS BEEN SWALLOWED UP BY DEATH by Gavin Ortlund +

    Editors' note: This series explores key doctrines of the Christian faith and their practical ramifications for everyday life. Earlier in Read More
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