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(J. A. James, "The Practical Believer Delineated")

"And we know that God causes everything to work
together for the good of those who love God and
are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Strong faith has a firm persuasion of God's over-ruling
Providence--so comprehensive as to include the destinies
of empires and worlds; and so minute as to extend to
individuals. Strong faith believes that God's Providence is . . .
ever active,
ever directing,
ever controlling, and
ever subordinating
all things to His own purposes and plans.

Strong faith is a conviction of this great truth--so deep, so
satisfying, and so tranquilizing--as not at all to be shaken
by the chaotic aspect of human affairs, or the prevalence
of gigantic evils.

A weak faith must give way before . . .
the deep mysteries,
the confounding events,
the defeats of what is good, and
the triumphs of what is evil,
which are perpetually going on in our world's history.

The stream of Providence is . . .
so twisting,
so dark,
apparently so murky, and
occasionally so devastating;
that it requires strong faith believe that it is the
work of God and not of chance; and that if it is the
work of God--it must be just, and wise, and good.

In the darkest dispensations of Providence affecting
ourselves, strong faith realizes that it is all from God;
and must therefore be wise, and just, and good. To be
able really say, "It is well. I am sure it is right. I cannot
tell how it is right. I do not understand why this deep
afflictive Providence came. I can find no key to unlock
the mystery. But I am as confident that it is right, as if
God's whole purpose were transparent to my reason, and
I could see the event in all its connections, bearings, and
results. I cannot see how or why--but I believe that my
deep affliction is for God's glory and my ultimate benefit. I
know that God causes everything to work together for good."

Faith assures us that the darker, the more confounding, the
more disappointing events--are all right and just, and good.

Strong faith walks on amid shadows and darkness, grasping
the arm of God, believing that He is leading us, and will lead
us right. Strong faith gives up all into His hands, saying,
"I cannot even see a glimmering of light! I cannot see where
to place my next step! But I can most implicitly trust in the
wisdom, power, and truth of God! I follow like a little blind
child, grasping the hand of his father!"

Times of great troubles and difficulties, are seasons and
opportunities for the exercise of faith. God is always the
Christian's best refuge--and often his only one! He is
sometimes reduced to extremity, and is compelled to say,
"He alone is my rock and my salvation! My help comes only
from the Lord! No one else will help me--no one else can!"

Sense and reason both fail. No door of escape presents
itself--nor any way of relief. There is nothing left for him
to do, but to take up the promise and carry it in the hand
of faith, knock by prayer at the door of mercy, and as he
stands there to say, "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone!
My hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my
salvation! He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Yes,
Lord, You have bid me come, when I could go nowhere
else. And here according to your command and promise I
will remain--waiting, trembling, yet believing and hoping.
I am sure You will come and help me. My heavenly Father
knows the necessities of His poor helpless child, and He
will come in His own time, and in His own way, and I will
wait for him. My bread will be given me, and my water
will be sure."





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