THE FAMILY ALTAR
November 5.
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and
not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Is. 40,31.
Strength faithfully to discharge our God-given tasks every
day; strength to endure uncomplainingly whatever burden life
imposes; strength to suffer the greatest affliction with Christian
fortitude ; strength, finally, to meet death in the sure hope of heaven
— oh, how often our travailing hearts long and sigh for such un-
failing, uplifting, victorious strength ! Where can we find it ?
To-day's text tells us : In waiting on the Lord, that is, in putting
our trust in Him, setting our hope in His grace and mercy, firmly
clinging to His divine promises, and resigning our all to Him.
Doing that, we shall prove more than conquerors, for then we know
that it is not we with our feeble powers, but almighty and merciful
God who rules and governs our life. His strength is made perfect
in our weakness. As our days are, so shall our strength be. He
will daily renew it and give our soul wings to soar like the eagle
above all earthly things, over all the petty trials and wearisome
burdens of life. Though deep valleys of grief open before us,
though difficulties stretch mountain-high across our path, we pass
and surmount them unafraid and unhindered, in the strength of
the Lord, in whose omnipotent arm we trust and with whom nothing
is impossible. Revived and inspired by His sustaining Word, we
can daily run our race and not faint in our walk, knowing that
every step brings us nearer home. Then let us not look for strength
in our own hearts, nor in our own wisdom and power, but let us
learn to wait on the Lord in daily and unquestioning faith. He
will do for us what we cannot do, and will bring us safely to His
paradise above. I am trusting Thee to guide me;
Thou alone shalt lead,
Every day and hour supplying
All my need.
I am trusting Thee for power,
Thine can never fail;
Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me
Must prevail.
I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus;
Never let me fall ;
I am trusting Thee forever
And for all.
