A boy growing up in a home of poverty

(J.R. Miller)

A good many years ago, there was a boy growing up in a home of poverty, with no advantages. He was long and lanky — a most clumsy boy. He would lie on the earthen floor at night, when the day's work was done, reading by the dim firelight. There seemed little hope that the boy would ever be a man of influence. But the years pass, and we see him as President of the United States. One day we see him taking a pen and signing a paper which frees millions of slaves, and writes the name of Abraham Lincoln among the immortal names.
 
Just so, we should all just go on with our daily tasks, doing the best we can in our circumstances — and wait for God's timing. It takes months for the apple to grow mellow and sweet on the tree. If you are a disciple of Christ — He is going to make something very beautiful, very noble out of your life, when His work on you is finished. You will not always be struggling with faults, fainting under infirmities, bowing beneath burdens, striving in vain against difficulties. It does not yet appear what you will be; but there is glory in reserve for every faithful follower of Jesus!