My dear young brother,
I can well understand what you feel to be a great trial, and a serious difficulty in your present situation. Still, it may not be your duty hastily to give it up. “He that believeth shall not make haste.” (Isa. 28:1616Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. (Isaiah 28:16).) He may inquire of the Lord, and wait on Him, as to his situation; but he will not act rashly, he will have patience. This is a true christian condition of soul, for we are “in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ,” as to our present path. It will be the kingdom and power ere long. Trial must be the rule if we are walking with a rejected Christ, freedom from it the exception.
Some time ago, I knew a young man in a position similar to your own. He became greatly exercised about leaving it. He was the only Christian in the whole establishment. None of the others were even serious. Still, he could not see it to be the Lord’s mind that he should leave. He believed the Lord had led him there, and he could not lightly leave it. He had been converted in it, and the change in his ways was so manifest that he became the subject of all sorts of remarks. He cried to the Lord earnestly for another place, where he might start as a Christian, but no opening appeared. When passing through deep and constant exercise of soul, the following word was brought home with great power to his heart, “Let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God” (1 Cor. 7:2424Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. (1 Corinthians 7:24).) Now the question assumed another form in his mind, namely, having been called in this situation, can I abide therein with God? This became the great question: can I abide in my present place with God? And this, dear brother, should be the grand question as to all occupation: not, can I get rid of this trial, or of that difficulty, by making a change; but, can I continue in my present situation with God? If so, wait patiently until He makes the way plain for you to leave.
The young man referred to, was satisfied that he could abide with God in his situation, although there were some things very painful to put up with. He was led to great watchfulness, and frequent prayer. And now, the opposition he had to meet, seemed but to strengthen the life of God in his soul. Every day proved to him more and more the riches of his portion in Christ, and the wretchedness of those in the world. He pitied them, and prayed for them. He felt how much better off he was than they were; and the thought of the Lord’s goodness to him, made him patient, enduring, and long-suffering with them. Indeed, after watching the case most closely, I feel assured, that the strong current of the world by which he was surrounded, and the many disagreeable things he had to bear, proved a wholesome discipline to his soul. He exhibited an energy of life, a strength of principle, and an appreciation of Christ as his portion, which many who are excessively loved, and who enjoy every privilege as Christians, fail to manifest. He remained there for several years, and the end proved that God was with him. Still, we must bear in mind, that the same atmosphere would not suit every plant.
Your situation, altogether, dear brother, is no uncommon one. I know many now, who are constantly exposed to vain and trifling conversation, and not infrequently to what the scriptures call “The filthy conversation of the wicked;” and which is often uttered and indulged in, with no other view, than to grieve and annoy someone whom they know to be different from themselves. This, I know, is extremely painful, and when there is little hope of amendment, it becomes very perplexing as to what course to take. If one willingly and deliberately exposed himself to such things for the sake of greater worldly gain, as Lot did, it would be very sad, and he could not count on having God with him in it. But when a young man meets with such things in his lawful calling, what is he to do? This is your difficulty.
Should you not consider, dear brother, that the remarks, conversation, and unfair demands upon you, are so many aspects of the enmity of Satan against Christ? One young man may seek to annoy and vex another, in the same workshop, or at the same desk; but to faith, and in God’s sight, the struggle is of a deeper character. It is really, I believe, between Christ and Satan; and you must thus judge of it, and stand by faith on your vantage ground, as having already the victory in Christ. And this will lead you to care for Christ, and not yourself—to show a zeal for His glory, and not your own character. Were you to give in to the ways of the flesh, whether in yourself or others, Satan would not seek to disturb you; he would rather soothe and stimulate you in such a course. But when he finds you going on with Christ, and walking so as to please Him, he will be your constant and determined foe. But you need not fear. Only bear in mind, that by the mighty power of God, you are raised far above every enemy in Christ. (Eph. 1:18-2318The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:18‑23).) Every enemy is beneath His feet, and every enemy is beneath yours in Him. Only see that you abide in Christ. How many dear Christians, are, practically, at least, beneath the enemy’s feet, from not seeing their true position of victory in Christ. Satan will be sure to stand, as it were, at the very door of heaven and seek to hinder souls from entering into their full portion in the heavenlies. Those who know the value of the blood of the Lamb, overcome these wicked spirits, and triumph in the victories of Christ in heavenly places. Read carefully Eph. 6:10-1810Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:10‑18).
In passing, let me say a word to you, my dear G. about the armor. The first thing detailed, you will observe, is your moral condition. This is most important, see ver. 14, 15. The girdle of truth—the breastplate of righteousness—the gospel of peace. Truth, Righteousness, and Peace should characterize you. These three things should be seen. Be ever girded—well braced up with truth. You may have seen the rays of light strike upon, and radiate from, the soldier’s breastplate, so should it be with us, morally. Walk in full communion with the God of peace, though at war with the devil, the world, and the flesh.
Secondly. For your protection, you have the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, ver. 16, 17. If the shield of faith be raised the fiery darts of the wicked one will fall pointless and powerless to the ground. Faith alone can quench the darts of unbelief. The helmet shelters the head in the day of battle. It would be foolish for a warrior to enter the battlefield bare-headed. The full assurance of salvation is a divine safeguard. Uncertainty on this point, would be certain defeat in conflict. The sword of the Spirit, when wielded in communion with God, will inflict a fatal blow. “Thus it is written,” or the Spirit’s sword in the hand of Jesus, gained the victory.
Thirdly. See that our armor is properly buckled on, nicely fitted, and firmly fastened by prayer. Ver. 17.
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
Thus, and thus alone, my dear young brother, are you fitted to meet and overcome the enemy, whether amidst the scenes of earth, or in heavenly places. It would appear that through the evil passions of men he seeks to act against the christian down here, and through wicked spirits up there. The blood of the Lamb will make you an over-comer in the heavenlies, and the word of God in the earthlies. Seek to know the value of the former and to be well skilled in the use of the latter.
And now, as to whether you should give up your present situation or not, I cannot say. There is nothing in the calling itself to hinder you abiding therein with God. You would find trials and difficulties in every situation. But the Lord will guide. Look to Him. Keep near to Him. It may be His will that you should remain, at present, where you are, for a testimony to Him. I have known some to give up their situations, in the hope of getting one where they would have greater privileges, and more opportunities for useful service. This seems good and right, but it is not always so. Perhaps the Lord intended them to bear a quiet testimony, and they sought public service. We have to watch against feelings as to our own importance in that way. Oh, seek to follow the Lord and not your own inclination. “He that followeth me,” He says, “shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:1212Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12).) And again, “If, therefore, thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” (Matt. 6:2222The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (Matthew 6:22).) That means, if your object be right, light will shine on your path.
Patiently wait on God. “Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.” Leave all to Him. Confide in Him. Surely you may, seeing “He careth for you.” The natural man thinks that if he had the power, he would care better for himself than God does. Watch against this feeling creeping over your mind. It is natural to us all. As a christian mother lately said to me, “Oh, if I had the power, my two sons would be converted tonight.” This is a very common feeling, but it has to be watched against. Its tendency is to exalt self, and to lower our thoughts of God’s love and care for us, and so take us off the ground of implicit rest and confidence in Him. Have you not sometimes thought, that if you had the power, you would soon have a much nicer situation than your present one? But whether it be about the conversion of children, or changing our situation, we must learn to wait quietly on God, and leave all to Him. Rest assured that He will not only do better for you than you could do for yourself, but the end will prove that He has done better for you than you ever asked or thought of.
May you have grace quietly and patiently to wait on the Lord. His mind will in due time be made plain, and the light of heaven shall yet shine on all your earthly path. “If God be for us, who can be against us.” (Rom. 8:3131What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:4, 54Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:4‑5).) “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Pro. 16:77When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7).
Ever most affectionately
Yours in Jesus,
“Our times are in Thy hand,
Father, we wish them there;
Our life, our soul, our all, we leave
Entirely to thy care.
Our times are in Thy hand;
We’d always trust in Thee,
Till we have left this weary land,
And all Thy glory see.”