1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men… During the burning of a mill in our town there was a strong threatening of a large conflagration. People even two blocks off began to pack their household treasures. From many blocks around the coals from the flaming building were scattered over the white snow. From my window the scene was truly magnificent. The wild, hot flames soaring aloft, the burning elevator looking as if suspended in the heavens, the countless millions of sparks ascending, the sway and surge of this terrible power of fire. It seemed to me that a row of cottages within my sight must soon be swallowed up too, and as I thought of an elderly friend-helpless in her bed — I wrapped myself up warmly, and went out in the night to her. She was white and trembling with excitement, for the fire was only two buildings distant, and her room was light as day, illumined by the flames. "I was just wondering whether it was best to get her up upon her chair," said the girl to me. "No, don't," I said, "I do not believe there is any danger, and if there is, she shall not suffer." "Don't you believe there is any danger?" asked the invalid as I reached her bedside. "No, I do not, unless the wind should change. Just lie still and don't worry. If the next house should catch fire we will come for you the first thing." She accepted our word and kept her bed, thus escaping a cold; and morning found her all right. I wonder, then, why we could not accept our loving, helpful Father's word as unquestioningly as she did the word of a mortal. Why will we persist in borrowing trouble, when He has promised "As thy day so shall thy strength be"? Why do we always assert proudly, yet humbly, "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God; in Him will I trust"? (E. Gilmore.) Parallel Verses KJV: For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. |
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