His work is yet on the anvil!

(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)

"God many times works contrary to outward likelihoods. When the toll of bricks was doubled for the Hebrew slaves — who would look for deliverance? As the sun going back ten degrees on the sundial was a sign of Hezekiah's recovery — so divine providence is to be read backward. Joseph was made a slave — that he might be made the deliverer of the Hebrew people."

Thus have we found sickness work for our spiritual health — and poverty promote our spiritual wealth. Our worst days, have turned out to be our best days; and our low estate has lifted us on high. When storms come we may welcome them, for they bring blessing on their wings. But when our calm is long and deep, we ought to be on our watch, lest stagnation and disease should come of it!

Our adorable Redeemer bends all things to His gracious purpose! To judge His wise proceedings, is folly and ingratitude. What can we know? Especially what can we know of His design and purpose — while His work is yet on the anvil? Our judgments at their best, are only moderated foolishness.

We are neither prophets nor sons of prophets; and if we were wise, we would no more speculate upon the results of His divine operations — but firmly believe and patiently wait until the providence comes to bloom, and God becomes His own interpreter!

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28