...he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5b-6
Medical tasks and upcoming medical events have been overwhelming me lately. In that context, this week's entries in Voices from the Past encourage me to persevere in trusting the Lord. May these words from William Gurnall strengthen your soul to press on as well.
"The dear love God has for his saints engages his power. The believing soul is an object of God's choicest love, even the same love with which he loves his Son (John 17:26).... He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. O, how must God love that creature he has carried so long in the womb of his eternal purpose! God also loves his saints as the purchase of his Son's blood. They cost him dear. He that was willing to expend his Son's blood to gain them will not den y his power to keep them....
"The saints' dependence on God, and expectation from God in all their trials, oblige his power for their succour. Christ's presence in heaven lays a strong engagement on God to bring his whole force and power into the field upon all occasions for his saints' defence. He intercedes for fresh supplies of grace and help for us" (16 January).
"The apostle teaches: 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' (Heb. 13:5). Every believer may boldly say; 'God will help', not 'perhaps he will'. We may boldly assert it before men and devils because the Almighty said it.... No act of faith so strengthens us for duty as our belief that God's almighty power is engaged for our assistance.... The Christian's comfort also increases when we trust in God's almighty power. Many fears like waves roll over us. He who sees himself folded in almighty arms, O how he mounts up before the wind with his sails filled with joy and peace! Let storms arise, this one may sing merrily with the sharpest thorn at his breast" (17 January, quotes from William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour, Volume 1).
