Letters: Miss Clarke, Edinburgh (1)
The Lord's presence and comfort are available to us in times of suffering, and we can know this through the Holy Spirit's work and God's promises in Scripture.
Andrew Bonar writes to Miss Clarke, offering comfort during her sister's illness by reminding her of the everlasting arms of God that uphold believers in times of trial. He draws parallels between the suffering of Christ and the support the Holy Spirit provides to His followers, assuring her that she is not forgotten. Bonar expresses his desire to visit but acknowledges his current absence due to family commitments, while he continues to pray for their strength and the Lord's presence in their lives.
Text
CRAIGNURE, ISLE OF MULL, 18th August 1882. DEAR MISS C., --It was very kind in you to let me know of your sister's illness. She is safe in any case in 'the everlasting arms'. During all her time of trial and pain, the same Holy Spirit who upheld and comforted Christ our Head, even on the Cross and its agonies, will assuredly uphold and comfort one of His members. Nor will He forget you.
I don't know whether or not Mary was called to watch at Bethany over a suffering and dying sister ('Martha, whom Jesus loved'), but I am sure that the Saviour looked down from His Father's right hand on them both, with the same love and sympathy which He showed when their brother was sick.
I would like to see you both, but I am at present away with my family in this far-off island, and I do not think I can be in Edinburgh for a long time to come. Meanwhile, praying for the presence of the Lord with you continually (remember--' I will water it every moment, I will keep it night and day')-- Believe me, yours truly in Him who 'knows our frame.' ANDREW A. BONAR.
Sermon Outline
- Comfort in Suffering
- The Lord's Love and Sympathy
- Prayer and Presence
- The importance of prayer in times of need
- The Lord's promise to be present with us
Key Quotes
“She is safe in any case in 'the everlasting arms'.” — Andrew Bonar
“I will water it every moment, I will keep it night and day” — Andrew Bonar
“He knows our frame.” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- We can trust in the Lord's presence and comfort in times of suffering.
- We should pray for the Lord's presence in our lives, remembering His promises in Scripture.
- We can experience peace, joy, and strength in the midst of suffering through the Holy Spirit's comfort.