The Letters of Ruth Bryan, 1805-1860

The trial of faith
 

Dear Miss W.
I am so delighted and thankful that you have been enabled to follow your Beloved in a land not sown, still pursuing after Him when He seemed to go away, and still waiting, though He answered you "never a word." I well know the painful feelings when there seems to be no access, and faith is so enfeebled that one can hardly recognize to whom one is speaking. Still it is not in vain. It is for the trial of faith, and though it seems a "fiery trial," faith shall grow thereby, so long as the soul is kept waiting on. "Add to your faith patience." See how long the worthies of old had to wait for any promised blessing. "They who thus sow in tears shall reap in joy" (James 5:7). You must not always measure success by present feelings. Seek to have your heart fixed, trusting in God, and not in what you feel (Isaiah 30:18). Wait on, wait ever. One has well said, "If the Lord seems to shut His door against you, it is not to keep you out—but only to make you knock the louder." Therefore, though the vision tarries, wait for it. Before long the dry fleece shall be wet with the dew of heaven, for the promise is, "I will be as the dew unto Israel." Do not be discouraged by your own dryness and barrenness. You must realize this, that the Lord alone may be exalted, and that you may thankfully say, "All my springs are in You."

R. B.




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