HOW many of God’s people there are lying upon beds of affliction uncheered and little cared for. May the following simple record of what God’s grace can do in lifting a poor sufferer above the present grief, cheer many, and be the means of leading them to their Saviour God, and to patient, ever thankful submission to His will. The one we speak of had once enjoyed the blessing of health, which she had used forherself, and not for Him who gave it. Now, long bedridden, she is a bright testimony to the truth of the Scripture, “He doth not afflict willingly” (Lam. 3:3333For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. (Lamentations 3:33)), and to what great things God can work in the soul.
S. S. has lain thirty-two years with half her frame paralyzed, speechless, often in pain, and penniless, except for the parish allowance, and the Lord opening the heart and hands of His people. Not unfrequently the last penny is spent, and the cupboard empty, but it is not for long, for her Father in heaven is sure to send her something, when, as she says herself, it is least expected.
On the afternoon of the day I made her acquaintance, she had not yet tasted food.
Let me introduce you to the presence of this child of God. An open intelligent countenance meets you with a bright smile, as one of the Lord’s people; the hand waves you to the chair, and the lips move their welcome, but give no sound. You speak of One who doeth all things well; she lays her hand upon her heart, for He has won it for Himself, and gazes upward where He is, as though she would pierce those opened heavens where, by faith, she sees Jesus her Saviour (Heb. 2:99But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Hebrews 2:9)), crowned with glory and honor, and on the placid calm of her features His image seems reflected, for we “with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image.” (2 Cor. 3:1818But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18).)
To one, who by long practice is able to interpret the movements of her lips, she said, pointing upwards, “I am just waiting for the bright side (meaning, I am waiting or glory with Christ above). I would have nothing undone. All is right,” though before she had greatly longed to be able to move about. She had rested her soul on Him, who more than I 800 years ago finished the “work” putting away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
It is now five years since she has been lifted off her bed, as the pain incurred by the exertion would be too much for her. In the room she shares with another, there is little quiet from morning until near midnight, and when all is hushed, enjoyment of the silence almost overcomes her, and He, who lives in glory and cares for His people, still comes and manifests Himself richly to her, for He is her only possession here and portion forever.
Dear afflicted sorrowing one, let this reality lead you to the “spring” of it all, “God’s love,” revealed in Christ, the righteous channel through whom it flows to every thirsty longing soul, who has but by faith to drink and never thirst again; and then like dear S. you will be able to say, “I am just waiting for the bright side. I would have nothing undone. All is right.”
Twelve years ago in a workhouse this dear child of God had found joy and peace in the Lord, through the visits of a Christian, who had read and explained the Scriptures to her.
Saved reader! Go, and do thou likewise.
A.