THE CHILD OF GOD DOES NOT ALWAYS TRAVEL A SMOOTH COURSE. At times the Father in heaven tries him. Our afflictions are His trials. Every professor shall be tried. Many faint in the day of adversity. Some go back and walk no more with the Saviour. The effect of the stroke is according to the nature of that on which it falls. The softened yields; the hardened flies. Some under discipline fall at His feet, but others fly in His face. Happy is the man who meets his trials like a Christian, with humility, faith, fortitude, and patience; happy is he who endures them without repining, complaining, and rebelling against God. He looks not at the rod but at the hand that wields it. Nor only at the hand, but at the heart that guides the hand. He says, "It is discipline. It is chastisement. It is my Father who strikes, and He never corrects for His own pleasure but for my profit, to make me a partaker of His holiness. I have prayed for deeper sanctification, He is answering my prayer. I have desired brighter evidences for heaven, He is granting them. Shall I then complain? The cup which my heavenly Father giveth me, shall I not drink it?" Such a man who endures affliction proves that he is a true Christian and is blessed.

For Meditation:
There is a shelter in the storm
God has prepared in gracious measure;
What foe assails? What fear alarms?
I have a Help, this wondrous treasure -
The Everlasting Arms!