God's Hand Is On The Wheel

[Thompson, Darryl]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for October 15
Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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God's Hand Is On The Wheel

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might. Eph. 6:10.

The future is before us, and unforeseen events will surely take place,
changing the present aspect of things in the world. Lust and greed are
striving for the supremacy. Oppression and hatred will be exercised to
destroy. Inspired by a power from beneath, Satan's instrumentalities
will work with intensity to carry out his will. "The wicked shall do
wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall
understand" (Dan. 12:10). Every truly converted soul will put on the
whole armor of God, and will bravely face the unseen foe. God's servants
will realize the necessity of partaking of the divine nature. . . . 

Now is our time of peril. Our only safety is in walking in the footsteps
of Christ, and wearing His yoke. Troublous times are before us. In many
instances, friends will become alienated. Without cause, men will become
our enemies. The motives of the people of God will be misinterpreted,
not only by the world, but by their own brethren. The Lord's servants
will be put in hard places. A mountain will be made out of a molehill to
justify men in pursuing a selfish, unrighteous course.

The work that men have done faithfully will be disparaged and
underrated, because apparent prosperity did not attend their efforts. By
misrepresentation, these men will be clothed in the dark vestments of
dishonesty, because circumstances beyond their control made their work
perplexing. They will be pointed to as men that cannot be trusted. And
this will be done by the members of the church. God's servants must arm
themselves with the mind of Christ. They must not expect to escape
insult and misjudgment. They will be called enthusiasts and fanatics.
But let them not become discouraged. God's hand is on the wheel of His
providence, guiding His work to the glory of His name.

God calls upon His people to be bright lights in the world shining amid
the darkness of sin. Living the life of the Life-giver brings its
reward. He went about doing good. This, every true follower of His will
do, filled with a sacred sense of his loyalty to God and his duty to his
fellow beings. Through the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus,
Christians are to grow in grace, constantly drawing nearer perfection of
character.

>From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 267.