43 - If We but Follow Him

IN JANUARY, 1918, the Lord led Mrs. Robinson to go to Tor­onto to minister to the friends of the work who still lived there. While she was hurrying with her packing, pre­paratory to leaving, she was suddenly stopped by the Spirit of God. She really had no time to spare, for the train was to leave shortly, and she was by no means ready. What had happened? Why was she thus stopped? As she looked to the Lord, He immediately showed her that she was not letting Him have full control of her prep­arations, that even though it was ever so slight she was conming out of the perfect rest of God. Mrs. Robinson repented of even this little “natural haste,” returned into the rest of God, and let God completely control her in her last-minute preparations. What mattered if she did lose the train compared with losing, ever so little, the rest of God? After all, He had ap­pointed the trip. He knew the end from the beginning. She would abide in the rest of God and leave the results with Him. Needless to say, she and her traveling companion, Mrs. Judd, arrived at the station in plenty of time. In Toronto they were the guests first of the McConnells and then of Dr. and Mrs. Peter Toews. To these and the other members of the Toronto work who yet remained in that city, Mrs. R. ministered. Mrs. R.’s visit to Toronto coincided with an evangelistic campaign held there by Gypsy Smith. Always one to support such soul-winners by her prayer and faith, regardless of the fact that they were not Pentecostal, Mrs. Robinson was happy for the chance to attend one of this famous evangelist’s services. It was quite early when she and her friends arrived, so that there were still many unoccupied seats. As Mrs. Robinson quietly waited upon the Lord while the people gathered, all the time praying that God would bless Gypsy Smith and save souls in the forthcoming service, the Spirit of God opened her eyes so that she saw a cloud of conviction extended and held over certain sections of the building where as yet the seats were empty. Later, when the invi­tation was given by Gypsy Smith, it was in these sections in particular that people responded to the wooing of the Spirit and turned to the Lord. From Toronto on January 28, 1918, Mrs. R. wrote homeⁿ about her visit which was “getting rather prolonged:” Note: This letter was addressed to Mr. and Mrs. William Brooks. “Uncle Willie,” Elder Brooks’ younger brother, came to the Homes from Virginia in the fall of 1910. He and his wife, “Aunt Lena,” a cousin of Mrs. Brooks and Mrs. Mitchell, remained in the Homes the remainder of their lives. Greatly beloved, they rendered invaluable service in the Homes both in the secular and spiritual affairs. “We have had a delightful visit with McConnells and Mrs.Toews and others, but at present, after the Lord said, ‘Now your visit and service in Toronto is over,’ He kept Mrs. Judd and me for a week or nearly so, rather quiet and praying. Now, I believe, people who know us think we are gone, or at least some. At first we had someone calling or telephoning, or we were going somewhere all the time. “We got to where we thought it good to be more quiet. Indeed, the Lord set us to avoid all this for a week. Then we sent Mrs. Judd home—I to remain some—I am not told how much longer. We have been blessed—at least I have—very much by the change.... “We all feel the need to get deeper, but I know all we need is Jesus, seeking Him, finding and enjoying Him, and He is our depth and obedience. So often He calls us as individuals to get that truth—we do not let Him simplify our spiritual progress—we labor at His work. Now He will lead us to abandonment—rest—etc., if we but follow Him—only Him. “When we get this sight and let go all to follow and love Him, the rest comes or the progress. We then can see what He means. How hopeless human effort is! I know no way but to ask Him Himself to so draw us to Himself He will enable us to desire just Him... “Jesus says, ‘Add a word for me: ... What can you say to this—is it not My will for My Hand to be over you altogether, and no “I” be in your plans? You do so will, also. Yes, I heard you—and yet your hearts are not always glad. I do so will as to change the “I” and have it all My way. Can that be cured? Yes, you are so called. All Mine. Every moment— every act—every thought. Be Mine, for I purchased you altogether. “‘Many of My own vessels see Me exacting—but that is God, not man. For between one’s own life and Mine no thing of man, or self—or flesh can I allow to remain. Exact­ing? O, so exacting—so perfect— so mighty to raise and lift up—to put down or to lay low—God Himself King—Ruler— Governor —and man subject—ruled— governed. Can aught but blessing and glory follow so great a letting go of the “I” and “my” of men? Shall My Life be imparted to you—or you— My child, if yours be held back and desired—from Me? Let Me have the petty human life—you receive Me to abide in Me. Give up yourself— all of your self—let Me have My own—and I am not only God—King—Ruler—Governor—nay—but Lover—Blesser—and Helper— hiding you close in My Bosom protecting you in My Arms—and providing the need of your soul in My anointing and glory.’” Mrs. R.’s stay in Toronto was indeed prolonged—until June (1918). During these months the Lord gave her a much needed opportunity for an extended period of waiting upon Him, for which she was very thankful.