|
The Voice of Christ
My child, do not let the labors which you have taken
up for My sake break you, and do not let troubles,
from whatever source, cast you down; but in
everything let My promise strengthen and console you.
I am able to reward you beyond all means and measure.
You will not labor here long, nor will you always be
oppressed by sorrows. Wait a little while and you
will see a speedy end of evils. The hour will come
when all labor and trouble shall be no more. All that
passes away with time is trivial.
What you do, do well. Work faithfully in My
vineyard. I will be your reward. Write, read, sing,
mourn, keep silence, pray, and bear hardships like a
man. Eternal life is worth all these and greater
battles. Peace will come on a day which is known to
the Lord, and then there shall be no day or night as
at present but perpetual light, infinite brightness,
lasting peace, and safe repose. Then you will not
say: "Who shall deliver me from the body of this
death?" nor will you cry: "Woe is me, because my
sojourn is prolonged." For then death will be
banished, and there will be health unfailing. There
will be no anxiety then, but blessed joy and sweet,
noble companionship.
If you could see the everlasting crowns of the saints
in heaven, and the great glory wherein they now
rejoice -- they who were once considered contemptible
in this world and, as it were, unworthy of life
itself -- you would certainly humble yourself at once
to the very earth, and seek to be subject to all
rather than to command even one. Nor would you desire
the pleasant days of this life, but rather be glad to
suffer for God, considering it your greatest gain to
be counted as nothing among men.
Oh, if these things appealed to you and penetrated
deeply into your heart, how could you dare to
complain even once? Ought not all trials be borne for
the sake of everlasting life? In truth, the loss or
gain of God's kingdom is no small matter.
Lift up your countenance to heaven, then. Behold
Me, and with Me all My saints. They had great trials
in this life, but now they rejoice. They are
consoled. Now they are safe and at rest. And they
shall abide with Me for all eternity in the kingdom
of My Father.
|