Riches of grace : $b A compilation of experiences in the Christian life; a narration of trials and victories along the wayByrum, E. E. (Enoch Edwin)
Religion
Riches of grace : $b A compilation of experiences in the Christian life; a narration of trials and victories along the way
Byrum, E. E. (Enoch Edwin)
Christian life
Although my soul had been abounding in the riches of his glory for these
months as I was busily engaged in my work, one day a suggestion was made
to me by a silent voice that I had not had any overflowing blessings for
a few days. This did not disturb me, for I felt at perfect peace with
God. But soon the same suggestion was presented again and again. Finally
the silent voice or impression came on this wise: "Now you have been
in this condition almost a week." I felt that my soul during that time
had been at peace with God, and I was trusting my case in his hands.
I began, however, to search my consecration, as the accuser suggested
that there must surely be something wrong.
I began to search my heart, and said, "If there is anything wrong, Lord,
I will make it all right," and I asked the Lord to search me. Feeling
that all was fully in the hands of the Lord, I was about to dismiss the
matter from my mind; but this suggestion came: "If you were sanctified,
you would not have a lack of that great joy." Then I said, "Lord, if
I am not sanctified, I am willing to get sanctified." So I began to
reconsecrate myself to the Lord, and presently I realized that I was
fully consecrated to God. Again I was ready to dismiss the matter, but
the voice said, "When a person falls from sanctification, he loses his
justification also, because he must commit sin in order to fall." Yes,
I realized that was so, and then came the words, "You are not saved."
I saw at once that it was the enemy, instead of the Lord, talking to me,
and like a flash from heaven I rebuked him. I said, "I know I am saved
through the grace of God; yes, and sanctified, too." And I boldly
declared it, whereupon the enemy took his departure. He saw that he was
the one defeated, instead of me.
The enemy had thought that because I was young in the Lord's work I was
unable to know his devices. But the Lord was a match for him, and lifted
up a standard against him, instead of allowing me to be defeated and
overthrown. The Lord knew just how far to permit me to be tried and
tempted. This experience has been a source of much help to me since that
time; not only for myself, but in dealing with others. The devil is sure
to overstep the mark, and we can have the victory over him as long as we
keep our eyes stayed upon the Lord. And we can say like Paul, "I can do
all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me."
There are some who worry and fret and have an abundance of trouble when
it is their own fault; and if they would put forth as great an effort
to gain a victory and keep it as they do to pet their troubles, there
would be a wonderful change and the enemy of souls would be defeated.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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