The healing medicine

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(George Everard, "Christian Living!" 1881)

 

"We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

 

We are to fully recognize the hand of God in whatever trials and sorrows may be appointed for us. And if we see God's hand in them, we shall . . .

   find that our cares and sorrows give us fresh errands to the throne of grace;

   see redeeming love in them all;

   be assured that Divine wisdom has ordered all for good;

   believe that a Fatherly discipline and a tender regard for our highest welfare, have in some way seen them to be needful. So we shall trust and not be afraid.

 

One day a mother's hand brings to a child a present of a toy.

At another time, the same hand gives the necessary food.

At another time, the same kind hand dries the child's tear, and lifts it up when it has fallen.

At another time, the mother brings to the child, a cup of bitter medicine.

All of her dealings with the child are ways of showing her love, and perhaps the last in giving the medicine manifests her love the most.

Is it not so with our Father above? With far more than a mother's love, He cares for His children.

Sometimes He bestows a temporal gift that greatly adds to our happiness.

Sometimes He gives the necessary provision for our life.

Sometimes He raises us up when we have fallen, and dries the tear of penitence or sorrow.

But it is equal love--yes, perhaps greater love--when He sends to us some distressing providence, or appoints some bitter cup of suffering or bereavement. It is for our highest good. It is the healing medicine which is to overcome some sinful propensity, or to preserve us from some temptation.

 Let us believe this, and trust our Father's love. Let us believe that He cares for us, and that He will remove the trial when its work is done. Let us commit our way unto Him, and roll upon Him the burden which oppresses us.

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