If thou wouldst have the promises fulfilled to thee, look to it that
thou dost comply with the precept annexed to the promise . Follow the
example of Moses. Moses knew that there was a promise given to the
people of Israel, that they should be the world’s blessing; but in order
to obtain it, it was necessary that he should practise self-denial,
therefore he “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to
enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” If the promise commands thee
to deny thyself, thou canst not obtain it without. Do it, and thou shalt
have its fulfilment. Or suppose that the promise requires courage– use
courage . Or does the promise require obedience– be obedient . Remember
how Rahab hung out from her window the scarlet line, because that was
the test of her faith. So do thou. Whatsoever Christ hath said unto
thee, do it. Neglect no command, however trivial it may seem. Do what
thy Master tells thee, asking no questions, for he is an ill servant who
questions his Lord’s command. Doubtless thou too, like the Ethiopian
eunuch, shalt go on thy way rejoicing when thou hast been obedient. Or
is the promise made to those who bear “a good report” of the land?
Remember, Caleb and Joshua were the only two who obtained the promise, because they alone honored God. So do thou honor God. Let a scoffing
world hear thine unvarying testimony that thy God is good and true. Let
not thy groanings and thy murmurings make men suspect that thou hast a
hard master, and that His servants have no joys, no comforts, no
delights. Let it be known that He whom thou servest is no Egyptian
task-master; His yoke is easy; His service pleasure, His reward
unspeakable. “Them that honor Me, I will honor.” Be thou careful to obey
the precepts, and God will fulfil to thee the promises.