The Way God Leads Those He Loves

These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation 7:14

“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

“Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you” (1 Peter 4:12).

Jesus warned his disciples, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18).

Robert Murray McCheyne, who himself suffered an early death, has this to say about the purpose behind the pain of suffering for the Savior.

WALK WITH ROBBERT MURRAY MCCHEYNE
“Some believers are very surprised when they are called to suffer. They thought they would do some great thing for God, but all God permits them to do is to suffer.

“Just suppose you could speak with those who have gone to be with the Lord; everyone has a different story, yet everyone has a tale of suffering.

“One was persecuted by family and friends … another was inflicted with pain and disease, neglected by the world … another was bereaved of children … another had all these afflictions.

“But you will notice that though the water was deep, they all have reached the other side. Not one of them blames God for the road he led them; ‘Salvation’ is their only cry.

“Are there any of you, dear children, murmuring at your lot? Do not sin against God. This is the way God leads all his redeemed ones.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
This hymn expresses the hope of every heart that has suffered for Jesus:

My soul, be on thy guard,

Ten thousand foes arise;

The hosts of sin are pressing hard

To draw thee from the skies.

Fight on, my soul, till death

Shall bring thee to thy God;

He’ll take thee at thy parting breath,

Up to His blest abode.