'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — November 28

God's dearest children are exercised with sharp spiritual conflicts. God sometimes allows their faith to be shaken or to doubt the principles in God's Word, but it is very clear that God is working a particular and special providence over his children. God's ways are so unsearchable and deep, that they sometimes exercise his children. We can comfort ourselves that others have also struggled in this. We must not take the liberty to languish in such a course, but look in God's Book and see the blessedness of God's children even at the brink of despair. Consider examples in the Word of God for your encouragement. This wisdom protects us from emotional and carnal reasoning. Carnal reason would say of Dives, 'O, a happy man', but the Word says; 'He had his good here only, and Lazarus had his ill here.' Carnal reason says: 'Is there a God in heaven that allows such turmoil that is in the world?' Aye, but the Word says: 'There is a providence that rules all things sweetly, and all things are beautiful in their time' (Eccles. 3:11). We must not look at things in their confused state, but in the outcome. Look upon Joseph in prison, and here is a horrible scandal. Where is God's providence watching over the poor young man? O but now look at him next to Pharaoh! Consider Lazarus at the rich man's door, and there is a scandal, but then look at him in Abraham's bosom. Consider Christ arraigned before Pilate and crucified; here is a great scandal, but stay awhile. See him at the right hand of God ruling, and all principalities and powers subjected under his feet (Eph. 1:21). Thus the Word teaches us not to look upon things only in the present, but to see the outcome when God directs all things to a sweet end.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Richard Sibbes, Works, VII:82-84
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