'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — October 18

You are not to conquer difficulties and oppositions in your own strength, but by the Spirit of God. The power of his grace is sufficient, and his strength appears the greatest in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). All the saints in heaven have gone this way. They have overcome oppositions and difficulties; they were tempted, troubled, scorned, opposed, and now they triumph in glory (Rev. 7:14). All that have gone to heaven are likely to have come this way. Do you desire to have their outcome without following their path? Consider how much greater difficulties the ungodly go through to hell. They have stronger enemies than you have; God himself is their enemy, and yet on they go. Men threaten us with death, but God threatens damnation to discourage them, and yet on they go and they are not discouraged. Will you be more afraid of man than sinners are of God, and more afraid of death and scorns, than they are of hell? Consider what abundant mercies you have to sweeten your present life and to make your burdens easy. You have all the blessings of this life and the promise of everlasting joy. What an abundance of mercy you have in your bodies, estates, friends, names, and souls! What promises and experiences to refresh you! What freedom of access to God; a Christ and heaven to rejoice in! Shall a stony or a dirty way discourage you more than these shall comfort you? Your work will grow easier and sweeter to you as your skill and strength increase. Your enemies are as grasshoppers before you. The power of the Almighty is engaged by love and promise for your help. Do you pretend to trust in God, and yet fear the face of man (Isa. 50:6-7)? ‘Fear not the reproach of man' (Isa. 51:7-8). We strive for unspeakable glory, and nothing should seem too difficult, or sufferings too great.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory, I:43, 44
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