December 11

" I n this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though if is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory."

l Peter 1:6-8

Ponder that expression, “if need be,” and it will throw a flood of light upon God’s ways with His people which often seem perplexing and even inexplicable. For every trial which His children are called upon to endure He has a reason which will some day be made plain. He is working out some purpose in our lives that can only be created in the crucible of suffering. When all earth’s experiences are passed and,

We stand with Christ in glory,

Looking o’er life’s finished story,

we shall see that there was a “need’s be” for every painful testing and every heartbreak we have been called upon to endure. We shall praise Him then for every hard thing as well as for all the joyous experiences which we have known as we trod the pilgrim way.

Helpless tonight, and weary, almost too tired to speak,

Now on Faith’s downy pillow, I lay my fevered cheek;

I have a mighty Keeper, loving, compassionate, true;

Only to rest, He tells me, is all I need to do.

Pain has been my companion many a night and day;

Often the gathering shadows seemed to surround my way;

Yet I press on, not fearing, my Father knoweth best;

I leave to Him the planning, and on Faith’s pillow rest.