July 25, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"In their affliction they will seek Me early." — Hosea 5:15 · KJV

Losses and adversities are often the means the great Shepherd uses to fetch home His wandering sheep; like fierce dogs, they worry the wanderers back to the fold. Lions are not tamed while they are too well fed; their strength must be brought down and their hunger lowered, and then they yield to the tamer's hand. Often we have seen a Christian made obedient to the Lord's will by nothing more than scarcity of bread and hard labor. When rich and increased in goods, many professors carry their heads too high and speak boastfully. Like David, they flatter themselves, "My mountain standeth fast; I shall never be moved." When a Christian grows wealthy, is in good repute, and enjoys health and a happy family, he too often lets Mr. Carnal Security feast at his table — and then, if he is a true child of God, a rod is preparing for him. Wait a while, and you may see his substance melt away as a dream. There goes a portion of his estate — how soon the acres change hands; that dishonored bill — how fast his losses roll in. It is a blessed sign of divine life if, as these troubles come one after another, he begins to be distressed about his backslidings and betakes himself to his God. Blessed are the waves that wash the mariner upon the rock of salvation! If the chosen soul will not come to the Lord full-handed, it shall come empty; if God finds no other means of making us honor Him, He will cast us into the deep, and bring us from the pinnacle of riches into the valley of poverty. Yet faint not, heir of sorrow, when you are thus rebuked; rather recognize the loving hand that chastens, and say, "I will arise, and go unto my Father."