How rarely does one find unfailing adherence to a godly walk evidenced by those who, through unavoidable circumstances, are forced to live in isolation and lonely separation from their brethren— often, indeed, afar from those of like mind! Much dearer, in such a case, must be the tender love of the ever present Savior and the sustaining grace of Him who abides faithful.
This indeed was true of dear Miss Gertrude. In the little town where she was born and lived all her long life, she was noted by those with whom she came in contact as a consistent follower of her crucified Lord. And to one and all she never tired of singing His praises.
Then, you may say, He would give her all her heart's desires, for Psalm 37:44Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalm 37:4) says: "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
Ah no, my friend; not if you mean that she would be showered with earthly goods and blessings. That would have been Israel's portion in the old dispensation; but to a child of God in the day of grace the promise is: "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Tim. 3:1212Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12).
A promise? Yes, a happy promise, for in that trial or testing, allowed of Him, He Himself is the Burden Bearer; and the dear tried one, yoked up with Him, finds peace and rest for his soul. "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matt. 11:28, 2928Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28‑29).
And so it was with Miss Gertrude. Many were her trials and afflictions, humanly speaking; but in them all she saw the loving heart of her Father removing the dross and polishing the jewel for His glory.
In this same town was a man who had known Miss Gertrude from childhood. Together they had attended the little school, and with their parents had gone to the humble meeting-room where Christ was preached. When the boy reached manhood, he would have none of the teaching of the Scriptures, but became an avowed atheist. Strange to say, in spite of his hatred of the Giver of all good, this infidel was allowed to prosper. Whereas Miss Gertrude's earthly possessions became less and less as she neared the end of the way, the unbeliever's wealth continually increased as he grew older. Scripture says: "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree." Psa. 37:3535I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. (Psalm 37:35).
One day our dear Christian friend was going through a sorrowful trial because of her drunken brother. It was an icy cold day when she heard that he was in jail, and in her pity for him she had gone to the prison to try to secure his release. As she entered the building she was dismayed to see coming toward her this man who had often taunted her because of what he called her religion. Silently she prayed for courage and wisdom in the encounter which she could not avoid. As he came nearer there was a gleam of malice in his eyes, and he greeted her almost mockingly.
"So," he said, "here you are, getting more of the same! When will you ever learn some sense and give up the crazy notion that GOD does this and GOD does that? No one with good sense can believe that. Do you think I could ever believe in a God who treated me as your God treats you?”
Poor Miss Gertrude! Yes, she was poor in this world's goods, but rich in faith. As she stood there helpless before this tirade, the tears came to her eyes and ran unheeded down her cheeks. With all her heart she was crying to the Lord to save this man's sin-darkened soul. When he paused for breaths the answer came from her trembling lips: "You just don't know my Lord; that's all!”
What an answer! Poor lost sinner, that holds good for you, too. Of course you don't love God BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW HIM. Notwithstanding all that you have done and been, He loves you. This is true whether you believe it or not. A holy and sin-hating God actually loves you. Think of this!
If you want to know how much He loves you, gaze on that suffering One hanging on Calvary's Cross. Why does He groan and bleed and die? Hearken to the divine answer: 'For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).
"God loved the world of sinners lost
And ruined by the fall;
Salvation full, at highest cost,
He offers free to all.
"Love brings the glorious fullness in,
And to the lost makes known
Salvation from the power of sin,
Through faith in Christ alone.
"E'en now by faith I claim Him mine,
The risen Son of God;
Redemption by His death I find,
And cleansing through the blood.
"Oh, 'twas love, 'twas wondrous love!
The love of God to me;
It brought my Savior from above,
To die on Calvary.”