we must always look to the eternal
outcome. By Charles Simeon Are not two
sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall
to the ground apart from the will of your father, even the
very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10 29-30 The doctrine of God's all-disposing
providence is most comforting to the mind of man. If everything
were left to chance or were at the disposal of mortal men, we
would have nothing to cheer us in adversity or to moderate our
pride in prosperity. What a comfort is the thought
that all things are directed by our all-wise God, who does
according to His will with all the angels of heaven and among
the inhabitants of the earth. Whatever the designs of men may
be, the fact that His counsel shall surely stand, preserves
our minds composed and peaceful in every situation and in every
condition. We must not think that God interposes
only in great concerns, such as the fate of empires. He equally
interests Himself in all the events that are daily and hourly
occurring, even in the most trivial matters. Whatever trials we have,
or whatever blessings we enjoy, God must be regarded as the true
and only source of all. We must learn how to judge of
everything, whether prosperous or adverse, in our own affairs.
We must always look to the eternal outcome. What will prosperity
benefit us if it draws us away from God and leads us, like the
rich fool, to fix our happiness on things below? On the other
hand, what reason can we have to complain of afflictions if
they are sanctified to our spiritual and eternal good? Our severest
afflictions are intended to humble us and to bring us to the footstool
of our God. We should receive all of our
personal afflictions as from Him, and having done so, we should
hear the rod and Him who appointed it. Were we but attentive to
God's voice in afflictive dispensations, we would say to the instruments
of our trials, as Joseph did to his brethren, it was not you
who sent me here, but God. Instead of quarreling with second
causes, we should kiss the divine hand that smote us. Do not then
be so much concerned to get rid of present trials as to have
them made subservient to the good of your souls. Only trust
in Him who orders all of our affairs with unerring wisdom
and unbounded love. And we know that God causes all
things to work together for good to those who love God, to those
who are called according to his purpose. Romans chapter 8 verse
28