A Life of Strength

[Thompson, Darryl]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 12
Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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A Life of Strength

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4.

The Christian life does not consist merely in the exercise of meekness,
patience, humility, and kindness. One may possess these precious and
amiable traits and yet be nerveless and spiritless, and almost useless
when the work goes hard. Such persons lack the positiveness and energy,
the solidity and strength of character, which would enable them to
resist evil, and would make them a power in the cause of God.
Jesus was our example in all things, and He was an earnest and constant
worker. He commenced His life of usefulness in childhood. At the age of
twelve He was "about his Father's business." Between the ages of twelve
and thirty, before entering upon His public ministry, He led a life of
active industry. In His ministry Jesus was never idle. Said He, "I must
work the works of him that sent me...." The suffering who came to Him
were not turned away unrelieved. He was acquainted with each heart and
knew how to minister to its needs. Loving words fell from His lips to
comfort, encourage, and bless, and the great principles of the kingdom
of heaven were set before the multitudes in words so simple as to be
understood by all.
Jesus was a silent and unselfish worker. He did not seek fame, riches,
or applause, neither did He consult His own ease and pleasure....He did
not shirk care and responsibility, as many do who profess to be His
followers....
The claims of Christ upon our service are new every day. However
complete may have been our consecration at conversion, it will avail us
nothing unless it be renewed daily, but a consecration that embraces the
actual present is fresh, genuine, and acceptable to God. We have not
weeks and months to lay at His feet; tomorrow is not ours, for we have
not yet received it, but today we may work for Jesus. Today we may lay
our plans and purposes before Him for His inspection and
approval....This is God's day, and you are His hired servant.

>From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 125.