A Life of Strength

[Daily Devotional]

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 That I May Know Him - Page 155