"BY IT THE ELDERS OBTAINED A GOOD REPORT." Without faith we cannot walk with God, we cannot please Him. The Christian's path is often very rough; thorns and briars grow on either side, dark clouds hang over it, and no happy prospects appear to cheer the heart. But if he acts consistently, he still believes it is the right path; that trials are mercies in disguise, and that the path of tribulation ends in the kingdom of God. He believes it is all needful, is the very best way his Father could select; that the design of God is gracious, and his present trials are to end in His eternal welfare. He believes his God is with him, though he does not fully enjoy His presence, and that all needful supplies will be sent, though he cannot tell from whence. He rests on the faithful word, trusts in an immutable God, and says, when surrounded by trials, "None of these things move me; I know that it is through much tribulation that I must enter the kingdom; my God will support me, His hand will defend me, and His grace shall be glorified in my present and eternal salvation. I know not the way, but my God knows, and He will lead me; He will never leave me, but will be my guide, even unto death."

For Meditation:
O may I daily walk by faith,
Believing what my God has said;
Relying on His changeless word,
Never to doubt my loving Lord;
On His eternal truth depend,
And love Him as my God and Friend.