October 17

"All things are possible to him that believeth."—Mark 9:23.

ALL things. It is a great word, is it not?

Sometimes the New Testament says simply, Believe Christ. I believe a man, when I do not question his words, but credit and welcome them. I am to treat Jesus in the same way. That great and gladdening gospel of His; the good news of One who died for me, and lives again; the message that satisfies my conscience, and fills my heart, and purges my life; I am to accept it as true and trustworthy.

And sometimes the New Testament says, Believe on Christ. That carries me further. That establishes a nearer relation between Jesus and me. I do not only receive His Word; I cast my soul on Him Himself. For Him I forsake every other prop and stay—Him my Saviour, Shepherd, Master, Lover, and Beloved. It is not a book of doctrines and rules in which I confide; it is a Person with a strong arm and a throbbing heart.

And sometimes, in the Greek at least, the New Testament says, Believe into Christ. It is a pregnant expression. I am to grow up into Him, like the boy or girl copying the perfect headline in the writing-book, like the art student reproducing some matchless statue. And while I travel towards Him, towards fuller and larger sympathy with His character and purposes and enterprises, I am all the time to be resting in Him For He is my Source of supply. He is my Strong Tower. He is my Place of broad rivers and streams.

To me, if I believe after this fashion, all things will be possible. When I open the windows of my heart, and the glorious day streams in, what a tide of conquering life is mine!