Evening, July 25
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
Hosea 5:15
"In their affliction they will seek me early."
Hosea 5:15
Losses and adversities are frequently the means which the great
Shepherd uses to fetch home his wandering sheep; like fierce dogs they
worry the wanderers back to the fold. There is no making lions tame if
they are too well fed; they must be brought down from their great
strength, and their stomachs must be lowered, and then they will submit
to the tamer's hand; and often have we seen the Christian rendered
obedient to the Lord's will by straitness of bread and hard labour.
When rich and increased in goods many professors carry their heads much
too loftily, and speak exceeding boastfully. Like David, they flatter
themselves, "My mountain standeth fast; I shall never be moved." When
the Christian groweth wealthy, is in good repute, hath good health, and
a happy family, he too often admits Mr. Carnal Security to feast at his
table, and then if he be a true child of God there is a rod preparing
for him. Wait awhile, and it may be you will see his substance melt
away as a dream. There goes a portion of his estate--how soon the acres
change hands. That debt, that dishonoured bill--how fast his losses
roll in, where will they end? It is a blessed sign of divine life if
when these embarrassments occur one after another he begins to be
distressed about his backslidings, and betakes himself to his God.
Blessed are the waves that wash the mariner upon the rock of salvation!
Losses in business are often sanctified to our soul's enriching. If the
chosen soul will not come to the Lord full-handed, it shall come empty.
If God, in his grace, findeth no other means of making us honour him
among men, he will cast us into the deep; if we fail to honour him on
the pinnacle of riches, he will bring us into the valley of poverty.
Yet faint not, heir of sorrow, when thou art thus rebuked, rather
recognize the loving hand which chastens, and say, "I will arise, and
go unto my Father."