In connection with the Christian’s pathway through the world, it is of all importance that he should rest on the power, the wisdom, and the love of God, the “three pillows,” as a sick saint once called them, “for a weary head to lie upon,” and seek to “fill the little space” which He gives us to do His will in. We may not be able to trace His goings, for “His way is in the sea, and His path in the great waters, and His footsteps are not known.” But He knows the way He takes, whether with His people or in connection with His government of the world. And we are wise if we leave Him to carry out His own will which must be good and right for He is good and right.
This thought has been beautifully expressed by a well-known writer in the following words: “The persecuting emperor little thought what He was giving to us when he banished the Apostle [John, to Patmos]; no more than Augustus, in his political plans as to the census of the empire, knew he was sending a poor carpenter to Bethlehem, with his espoused wife, that Christ might be born there; or the Jews and Pilate’s soldiers, that they were sending the thief to heaven when they broke his legs in heartless respect for their own superstitions or ordinances. God’s ways are behind the scenes; but He moves all the scenes which He is behind. We have to learn this, and let Him work, and not think much of man’s busy movements; they will accomplish God’s. The rest of them all perish and disappear. We have only peacefully to do His will.’
Every Christian has his own appointed service. One in this way and another in that; but each in some way. Many scriptures may occur to the mind of the reader, but a few are appended. They are “seed thoughts” for him as he meditates on these things. “I know that Thou canst do everything, and that no thought of Thine can be hindered” (Job 42:2, margin).
“The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea” (Psa. 93:3-4).
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand” (Prov. 19:21).
“Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18).
“Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God” (Isa. 50:10).