August 25

Nevertheless, at thy word. Luke 5:5.

Oh, what a blessed formula for us! This path of mine is dark, mysterious, perplexing;  nevertheless, at Thy word  I will go forward. This trial of mine is cutting, sore for flesh and blood to bear. It is hard to breathe through a broken heart, Thy will be done. But,  nevertheless, at Thy word  I will say, Even so, Father! This besetting habit, or infirmity, or sin of mine, is difficult to crucify. It has become part of myself a second nature; to be severed from it would be like the cutting off of a right hand, or the plucking out of a right eye;  nevertheless, at Thy word  I will lay aside every weight; this idol I will utterly abolish. This righteousness of mine it is hard to ignore; all these virtues, and amiabilities, and natural graces, it is hard to believe that they dare not in any way be mixed up in the matter of my salvation; and that I am to receive all from first to last as the gift of God, through Jesus Christ my Lord.  Nevertheless, at Thy word  I will count all but loss for the excellency of His knowledge. Macduff.