Nov. 5
WHAT IS PAINFUL WILL END
"I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wrath: for
the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made"
Isa. 57:16
Our heavenly Father seeks our instruction, not our destruction. His
contention with us has a kind intention toward us. He will not be
always in arms against us. We think the Lord is long in His
chastisements, but that is because we are short in our patience. His
compassion endureth for ever, but not His contention. The night may
drag its weary length along, but it must in the end give place to
cheerful day. As contention is only for a season, so the wrath which
leads to it is only for a small moment. The Lord loves His chosen too
well to be always angry with them.
If He were to deal with us always as He does sometimes we should
faint outright, and go down hopelessly to the gates of death. Courage,
dear heart! The Lord will soon end His chiding. Bear up, for the Lord
will bear you up, and bear you through. He who made you knows how
frail you are, and how little you can bear. He will handle tenderly
that which He has fashioned so delicately. Therefore, be not afraid
because of the painful present, for it hastens to a happy future. He
that smote you will heal you; His little wrath shall be followed by
great mercies.