Grace Gems

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My Father's home

(James Smith, "The Better Land")

"Do not be troubled. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am!" John 14:1-3

How familiar with Heaven--how well acquainted with that "better land" must Jesus be! He calls it "My Father's home!" Sweet view of our eternal residence!

Dying--is but 'going home!' Going home to our Father! Going to our Father's home!

And shall we fear this? Fear it! Can we do anything other than eagerly desire it? Do we not wish to go home and see our Father? We shall not be strangers there--so many of our Christian friends have gone home before us. And even if some of our loved ones are not there--we could not possibly feel unhappy--where JESUS is!

"I am leaving the world," said Jesus, "and am going to the Father!" Such should be our language, in the prospect of death. O that, with child-like simplicity, we could receive into our minds the testimony of God's Word! O that we could view death and Heaven--just as the Scriptures represent them! Where would our doubts and fears be then? What would become of our reluctance to leave the world then? Then, if we spoke of departed Christian loved ones--we would use similar language to that of Judah in reference to his younger brother Benjamin, "He is this day with our Father!" We would no longer talk of losing friends or relatives. Oh no! we should speak of them as being in our Father's house, or of being with our Father!

My soul, I charge you, in future to look to Heaven, simply as your Father's home!

[nChrist]

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If only we could but read the writing!

(James Smith, "Our Father and Comforter")

"No one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this." 1 Thessalonians 3:3

Man is born to trouble--as the sparks fly upward. Affliction does not comes not forth from the dust--neither does trouble spring out of the ground. Trouble is the natural consequence of sin--and all trouble springs from this bitter root. But God makes our trouble--our medicine, and uses it for our present and everlasting welfare.

Our troubles are not the inflictions of an angry God--but the chastisements of a loving Father! He foresaw what we would be, and what would be necessary for us--and consequently He has appointed . . .
  the number,
  the nature, and
  the length of our troubles.

Every Christian has his 'cup of trials'--it is mixed by his Father's wisdom, and put into his hand by his Father's providence. He should therefore take it, endeavor to acquiesce in it, and say with Jesus, "The cup that My heavenly Father gives me--shall I not drink it?" Every trouble . . .
  comes from God's appointment,
  is intended to do us good, and
  will be overruled for our real welfare!

Every trial is labeled "LOVE"--if only we could but read the writing! And in every affliction God calls to us, saying, "Come near unto Me, My son--that I may bless you!"

Let us, then, draw near unto God, and show our trouble to Him!
Let us entreat him to sanctify it to us, that it may . . .
  wean us from earth,
  consecrate us to Jesus,
  and fit us for heaven!

All is love--which comes from the God of love!

"He is unchangeable; who can oppose Him? He does what He desires. He will certainly accomplish what He has decreed for me." Job 23:13-14

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Looking unto Jesus!

(James Smith, "God, the Portion of His People")

''Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us--and let us run with patience the race that is set before us--looking unto Jesus!" Hebrews 12:1-2

The world is a race-course,
life is a race, and
every one of us are racers!
A mark is set up, at which we are to aim;
and a prize is promised to every overcomer.

But there are many difficulties in the way, and we have many weights hanging about us. Those difficulties must be mastered, and those weights must be laid aside.

We must run the race set before us with patience--keeping our eye on Jesus.
Jesus is our Example--we must copy Him.
Jesus is our Leader--we must follow Him.
Jesus is our Sovereign--we must submit to Him.
Jesus is our Savior--we must trust alone in Him.
We must look . . .
  to His blood--for pardon,
  to His righteousness--for justification,
  to His Spirit--for strength, and
  to His fullness--for all our supplies.

We must make use of Jesus . . .
  every day,
  every hour,
  every minute!

Christian, look to Jesus!
When discouraged--He will animate you!
When timid--He will embolden you!
When feeble--He will strengthen you!
When weary--He will stimulate you!
When dying--He will give you the victory!
Let your last look--be a look at Jesus!

No one ever looked to Him in vain. As every one who looked to the brazen serpent was healed--so is every one saved, sanctified, and sustained--who looks to Jesus! Look to Him for all you need--and from all you fear.

Keep the eye fixed on Jesus; doing so, you will . . .
  conquer the world,
  overcome Satan,
  reach the mark,
  obtain the prize!

''Those who look to Him for help--will be radiant with joy." Psalm 34:5

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The physician and the patient

(James Smith)

"Who heals all your diseases." Psalm 103:3

The Lord is the great Physician. He is especially the healer of the soul.

The patient is a believer.

The cause of all sorrow and suffering is sin.

The seat of the malady is in the heart.

The nature of the malady is most loathsome and afflictive.
It affects . . .
  the mind,
  the affections,
  the conscience,
  the will,
  yes the whole man! "Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. You are sick from head to foot--covered with bruises, welts, and infected wounds!" Isaiah 1:5-6

We are all the subjects of this disease. We all suffer from it!

No one can heal us--but the Lord Jesus. He is the great Physician; to Him we may repair and be restored to health. To encourage you to do so, look at His qualifications:
  He is infinitely wise, tender and skillful.
  His experience is without a parallel.

The remedies He employs are . . .
  His precious blood,
  His holy Word, and
  His blessed Spirit.

The mode of application is by . . .
  afflictions,
  bereavements,
  convictions, and
  divine energy.

He never failed in any case--all of His patients are completely cured!

David's was a bad case--but he could say, "He heals all my diseases!"

Sinner--you are sick, mortally sick! Go to Jesus!

Backslider--you are dreadfully sick! Go to Jesus!

Believer, are you not desiring perfect health? Then go to Jesus and plead, "Lord, if You will--You can make me whole!"

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Sinners in Zion!

(James Smith, "The Fearful Destiny!" 1857)

"The sinners in Zion are terrified! Terror has surprised the hypocrites!
 'Who can live with this devouring fire?' they cry.
 'Who can survive these everlasting burnings?'" Isaiah 33:14

The threatenings of God are solemn things.

They are called forth by sin.

They prove God's justice.

They manifest His unutterable abhorrence of all impurity.

Who are these "sinners in Zion"?

These are sinners--who profess to be saints; and such are sinners with an emphasis. They are HYPOCRITES! They pretend to be saints--yet know they are not. They wear a mask. They act a part--like actors in a play!

Of all characters, hypocrites are the worst! The Lord Jesus pronounces more woes against the hypocrites in one chapter--than against the devil all through the New Testament! It is to be feared--that we have many 'masked' men, and many 'masked' women in our churches! Like white-washed sepulchers, they appear beautiful to the eye--but within all is corrupt and vile!

But where are these sinners, these hypocrites? In Zion! Among God's people! Under the preaching of the pure Word. The greatest sinners under heaven--are to be found professing the holiest religion! They are in the church--but they are not of the church!

And when judgment begins, as it will, at the house of God--then these pretenders, these sinners, these hypocrites, will be detected and exposed!

God especially hates deception! He would have us to be .  . .
  either one thing--OR the other;
  either hot--or cold;
  either saint--or sinner;
  either walking in holiness--or following the world.

But to be in the church--and yet of the world;
to pretend to be a Christian--and yet live in sin;
to turn His holy religion--into a 'mask' to answer a selfish purpose--is especially hateful in His sight!

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If I had my deserts!

(James Smith, "An Antidote" 1857)

There are some things that we should never forget:
  what we were before God called us by His grace;
  what we might have been--but for His sovereign mercy;
  what we certainly would be--if left wholly to ourselves.

We were . . .
  rebels against God's government,
  traitors to His cause, and
  doomed to an eternal Hell!

Everything short of Hell--is mercy!

If I had my deserts--I would be in Hell today!

I would be feeling its fierce flames, enduring its scorching torments, and horrified by its dreadful inhabitants!

I was enmity against God by nature. I would be enmity against God this day--if it were not for His glorious grace. I deserve Hell most justly--and would have been in hell--but for His kindness!

"Look unto the rock whence you are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence you are dug!" Look at the horrible pit from which He raised you, and the miry clay from which He extricated you.

Look--and admire!

Look--and love Him!

Look--and praise His thrice blessed and most glorious name!

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There is a 'buoyancy' in the cross

(James Smith, "Cling to the Cross!" 1857)

Cling to the cross--though your sins rise up before you . . .
  like mountains for their size;
  like the sands on the sea shore for their number;
  and glowing like scarlet and crimson, in color!

For no sins, however great, or however numerous--should tempt us to despond, or to let go of our hold on the cross--seeing the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from ALL sin.

There is a 'buoyancy' in the cross--which will never let anyone sink, who clings to it!

If our sins were as ponderous as the globe, or as numerous as all the particles of created matter--yet embracing the cross of Jesus--they are all forgiven, and forgiven forever!

They are all blotted out--like the dark clouds, which obscured the sun for a little while on the summer's morning!

They are all blotted out--like a stone cast from an angel's hand into the depths of ocean!

They are all forgiven and forgotten forever!

Cling to the cross!

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Her life-lesson was comprised in four words

(James Smith, "Keep Close to Christ" 1857)

A Christian minister was dying. He had a young sister whom he tenderly loved, and in whose welfare he felt the deepest interest. She came to pay the last visit, and receive from his lips the last words of advice. The words of a dying minister, realizing the value of the soul, and the solemnity of eternity, are important words. Taking her by the hand, and fixing his eyes upon her with a loving look, he said, "Keep close to Christ!"

What could he say of more import? Her life-lesson was comprised in four words, "Keep close to Christ!" She had come to Jesus, she  loved Jesus, she found happiness in Jesus; but the dying brother knew . . .
  the deceitfulness of the human heart;
  the power of the world's fascinations,
  and the craft and subtlety of Satan,
therefore he exhorts, "Keep close to Christ!"

May the Lord give us grace to get near to Him; and then give us more grace, to keep near to Him; for alas! how many of us, like Peter, follow Him afar off!

What must we do--to keep close to Jesus?

We must keep close to His Word. Here He . . .
  reveals His mind,
  displays His love, and
  exhibits His beauty!

It is a revelation of His deepest, sweetest, kindest thoughts!

It is an exhibition of His infinite, eternal, deathless love!

It is a mirror in which we may see His unparalleled beauty and excellency!

No one can keep close to Jesus--who does not daily, seriously, and prayerfully read His Word. That Word . . .
  received into the heart by faith,
  digested by meditation, and
  reduced to practice in the life,
will bring the soul and Christ together!

For the more we know of Christ--the more we shall love Him, the more we shall prize, pant for, and seek to enjoy His presence!

Blessed Spirit, help us so to read the Word--as always to find Christ in it; and by it endear Him more and more unto us, and bring us into closer fellowship with Him!

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I am in eternity--and you are on the brink!

(James Smith, "A Solemn Admonition" 1859)

Passing through a country graveyard the other day, an inscription on a head-stone struck my eye. The stone was by the side of the path, where everyone could see it, and it was placed there in memory of a young man who died at the age of seventeen. It was--

   "Reader, one moment,
    Stop, and think:
    That I am in eternity!
    And you are on the brink!"

In eternity! A young man, only seventeen years of age, in eternity!

In a fixed, a changeless, an eternal state!

In Heaven--or in Hell!

Saved with an everlasting salvation--or damned forever!

If it should be the latter, what a fearful supposition! And yet many have gone to Hell--before they have been seventeen years of age!

"I am in eternity--and you are on the brink!" Yes, though you may be young, apparently healthy, full of life and vigor--you are on the brink of eternity! A slight accident, a few days illness--and you are in eternity! What a solemn thought!

What will eternity be to you?

Where will you be in eternity?

Are your sins pardoned?
Are you reconciled to God by the death of His Son?
Are you sanctified by the Holy Spirit--and thus made fit for Heaven?

If not, remember that in Hell, there is . . .
  no gospel,
  no means of grace,
  no way of escape from the wrath of God!
Once there--and your doom is fixed forever!

Think, O think . . .
  Of the dreadful consequences of dying in your sins!
  Of going down to the grave in an unconverted state!
  Of dying under the curse of God!

"Behold, now is the accepted time!
 Behold, now is the day of salvation!"

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Reader! The above was written over 150 years ago.
All who then read this little piece--are now in eternity!
All who now read this little piece--are on the brink!

   "Reader, one moment,
    Stop, and think:
    That I am in eternity!
    And you are on the brink!"

[nChrist]

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What would Jesus do?

(James Smith, "How Shall I Honor Jesus Today?" 1857)

How shall I honor Jesus today?

First, I must DEDICATE myself anew unto Him.

Second, I must look to Him for all I NEED through the day.

Third, I must IMITATE Jesus in all I do.
He is proposed to us in His Word as our great example;
we should therefore strive to imitate Him.
My object should be . . .
  to think as Jesus thought,
  to speak as Jesus spoke,
  to feel as Jesus felt, and
  to act as Jesus acted.

Often, very often, should we pause to ask,
"Is this like Jesus?
 Would He indulge such a temper?
 Would He employ such language?
 Would He encourage such thoughts?
 Would He do--as I am doing?"

Or, if at a loss what to do at any time, we should ask,
"What would Jesus do?
 How would Jesus act in this case?
 What would Jesus do under these circumstances?
 What would Jesus say?
 What temper would Jesus display?"

This would often send us to His Word.
We should become familiar with His life.
We should be well acquainted with His character.
And what a preservative it would be!
What humility it would produce!

Jesus wishes us to be like Himself. He has left us an
example--that we should follow in His steps. He says,
"Do as I have done!"

If, therefore, I would honor Jesus--I must make it my
study, and I must daily seek grace--that I may imitate
Him in all that I do, at all times and in all places.
O to be like Jesus . . .
  in my family,
  in my business,
  in the church, and
  when alone with God!

"Whoever claims to live in Him--must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6

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It would soon oppose us with a deadly hatred!

(James Smith, "Grace for the Humble" 1859)

"All who will live godly in Christ Jesus--shall suffer persecution!" 2 Timothy 3:12

The enmity of the world against God is as great as ever. It may be concealed--but it is not destroyed.

The world will oppose the godly man.
If we were more godlike--it would . . .
  hate us more,
  oppose us more,
  and persecute us more!

We have little persecution from the world, because there is so little in us to awaken persecution.
Our light is so dim.
Our salt has lost so much of its savor.
Our approximation to the world is so great.
If instead of being conformed to the world--we were transformed by the renewing of our minds; if instead of getting as near to it as we can--we were to stand afar off from its pleasures, amusements, fashions, and spirit; if our lives were a daily testimony against it, and against its works as evil--it would soon oppose us with a deadly hatred!

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It was not human misery--but divine love!

(James Smith, "Streams in the Desert" 1849)

"You are to name Him 'Jesus'--because He will save His people from their sins!" Matthew 1:21

This verse teaches that Jesus came into the world having . . .
  a definite people in His mind,
  a definite work in His hand, and
  a definite principle in His heart.

He had a definite PEOPLE in His mind!
They are simply called "His people." He had . . .
  a special interest in them,
  a special right to them, and
  a special concern for them.

They were given to Him as a pledge of His Father's love--to be His associates, joy, and delight; His crown and glory. They were . . .
  sunk in sin and wretchedness,
  under the condemnation of the law,
  the captives of the prince of darkness!

They were His sheep--but lost sheep!

They were His jewels--but jewels in a heap of rubbish!

They were His  bride--but in a state of adultery!

He had . . .
  the eye of His omniscience watching them,
  the love of His heart pursuing them, and
  the arm of His omnipotence protecting them.

His eye was upon them . . .
  when in heaven in His Father's bosom,
  and when enclosed in Mary's womb!
His eye ever was--and ever will be on them--from the beginning to the end of time--to save and to bring them safely to glory!

He had a definite WORK in His hand!
It was a work for His Father--and a work His people.
He had . . .
  the law to fulfill,
  justice to satisfy,
  sin to remove,
  heaven to open,
  Satan to conquer,
  death to destroy!

This work He proceeded to perform--until in triumph He exclaimed, "It is finished!"

He had a definite PRINCIPLE in His heart.
And what was that powerful principle, which brought Him . . .
  from heaven--to earth,
  from glory--into contempt,
  from unutterable bliss--into inconceivable sorrow?

It was LOVE! Love,
  the ruling attribute of His nature,
  the prominent feature of His character,
  the rule of His conduct towards His people!
It was love which . . .
  eternally existed in His bosom,
  fanned His heart, and
  directed His ways!

It was . . .
  eternal love,
  immutable love,
  omnipotent love,
  unconquerable love,
  unfathomable love!

It was this sacred principle which led Jesus into our world--and conducted Him through all the stages of His redemptive work!

His name then, is 'Jesus'--because He loves and saves all of His people!

Never think that it was merely human misery, or the doleful cries of suffering mortals--which brought Jesus to our world; for if these would move Him, assuredly He would empty Hell itself!

It was not human misery--but divine love!

It was not man's cries--but His own glory, which brought Jehovah Jesus into suffering circumstances and a miserable condition!

O the love! the depth of the love of Jesus!

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What a wonderful person!

(James Smith, "The Person and Work of Christ" 1849)

What a wonderful person is my glorious Lord Jesus! All the divine attributes are found in Him. As there are no limits to His fullness--there can be no limit to my supplies, or the least prospect of need.

Jesus is my divine Savior!
His bounty will supply me,
His omnipotence will deliver me,
His omnipresence will protect me,
His omniscience will guard me,
His love will animate me,
His mercy will heal me,
His grace will support me,
His compassion will comfort me,
His pity will relieve me,
His goodness will provide for me,
His tenderness will soothe me,
His kindness will encourage me,
His patience will bear with me,
His justice will avenge me,
His faithfulness will embolden me,
His holiness will beautify me,
His anger will awe me,
His life will quicken me,
His light will illumine me,
His Word will regulate me,
His joy will delight me,
His blessedness will elevate me,
His long-suffering will lead me to repentance,
His immutability will secure the fulfillment of all the promises to me,
His truth will be my shield and buckler,
His sovereignty will raise my admiration,
His condescension will inspire me with gratitude and love,
and His all-sufficiency will satisfy me both in time and eternity!

In Jesus, God has reconciled me to Himself--imputing my trespasses to Him--and His obedience to me.

God by Jesus, takes away . . .
  all my sins,
  His own wrath, and
  my deserved condemnation!

All good things . . .
  are treasured up in Christ,
  were procured for me by Christ,
  flow to me through Christ, and
  are conferred on me for the sake of Christ!

How exactly suited is the Lord Jesus to my case! Inflexible justice demands my blood--but He becomes my substitute, and spills His own!

In Jesus, I see my sin--and God's justice meet!
He removes the one--and satisfies the other!

What is Jesus called in God's holy Word?
A Savior--in reference to my lost condition.
A Reconciler--in reference to the enmity that existed between myself and God.
A Redeemer--in reference to my slavery to sin.
A Mediator--in respect to the disagreement between myself and the Most High God.
A Refiner--with respect to my filthiness.
An Advocate--with regard to my perplexed cause.
A Prophet--in respect to my ignorance.
A Priest--with a view to my guiltiness.
A King--in regard to my weakness and foes.
A Bridegroom--regarding my lowly estate and relationship.
A Physician--with regard to my many soul maladies.
In a word, Jesus is "All In All."

O to know more of Jesus, in . . .
  the glory of His person,
  the riches of His grace,
  the perfection of His work,
  the tenderness of His heart,
  the strength of His love and
  the effectual working of His power!

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Infected with a most dreadful, fearful, soul-killing disease!

(James Smith, "God's Remedy for Man's Malady" 1849)

"From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, no spot is uninjured--but only wounds and bruises and putrefying sores! They have not been cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." Isaiah 1:6

The whole race of mankind, in consequence of the fall, is infected with a most dreadful, fearful, soul-killing disease!

You are infected with it yourself!

It is in your nature, and its effects are manifested in your conduct! Its seat is in the heart--which has become deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked!

This malignant disease has spread over every faculty of the soul!
The understanding is darkened--so that you cannot see your dreadful state!
The conscience is defiled--and no longer warns of evil!
The will is powerfully biased to evil--and chooses what God abhors!
The affections are earth-bound--and set on forbidden things!
The imagination has become sensual--and only employed in evil!
The reason is debased--and calls darkness, light; and light, darkness!
The memory is depraved--and has become a storehouse of iniquity!
The whole soul is paralyzed, polluted, and diseased!
Satan has got possession--and endeavors to lead you to hell in a false peace!

You are naturally . . .
  unfit for heaven,
  at enmity with God,
  exposed to His wrath,
  cursed by His law,
  condemned by His word,
  traveling to perdition,
  and ripening for damnation!

You cannot . . .
  deliver yourself from sin's dominion,
  cleanse yourself from inherent defilement,
  or escape the righteous judgment of God,
by anything that you can do.

You are . . .
  without strength,
  blind to your everlasting welfare,
  and a hater of God!

You . . .
  were born a sinner,
  have lived transgressing,
  and dying in such a state,
will be banished into irremediable woe!

This is your state, reader--whoever you may be!
This is your situation--however you may have lived!
This is your condition--whatever you may think!
Have you ever seen yourself in this situation?
Have you ever felt this to be your case?
Have you ever trembled on account of it--and sought a remedy?
If not, this is the very worst symptom of your disease!
You are . . .
  insensible of your wretched condition,
  under a spiritual derangement,
  and madness is in your heart!

But if you have discovered your malady,
if you have felt sin to be really a dreadful disease,
if you are seeking for a remedy;
then I rejoice in being able to direct you to one that is provided, which may be obtained freely, and will certainly heal you!

God, who is rich in mercy, for the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in sin--has devised a way in which He can manifest Himself as a just God and a Savior! He has provided a suitable and glorious remedy for lost, ruined, and undone sinners! This remedy will . . .
  heal the wounded,
  cleanse the filthy,
  sanctify the unholy,
  justify the condemned,
  liberate the captive,
  and save the lost!

It gives . . .
  peace to the distressed,
  direction to the perplexed,
  riches to the poor,
  sight to the blind,
  hearing to the deaf,
  strength to the weak,
  wisdom to the foolish,
  and life to the dead!

[nChrist]

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Complaining Christian

(James Smith, "Bread from Heaven!" 1857)

"Do you have a father?" Genesis 44:19

Standing at my window one day, while the cholera was raging in London, I saw two corpses carried by, followed by one little child, walking alone next the coffins, with a few neighbors behind. That child was now an orphan. Both parents had been carried off by the pestilence. The sight of that child produced deep emotions, and awakened painful sympathy in my heart.

I was led to think of the sorrows and privations of orphanhood, and then of the happiness of the Lord's people to whom Jesus has said, "I will not leave you as orphans." A believer can never be an orphan! He has an ever-living, ever-loving, ever-present Father! But many of the Lord's people do not realize this, therefore they do not live and act under its influence.

There are believers who are always complaining of their circumstances:
They are worked too hard.
They are tried more than others.
They have such a vexing family.
They have such a demanding job.
They have such financial losses.
They have no end of things to vex, harass, and distress them!

Complaining Christian, "Do you have a father?"

If so, had your Father anything to do with fixing your lot?

Did He place you where you are?

Is He wise?

Is He good?

Has He ever told you, that all things shall work together for your good?

Does He know what is best for you?

Has He left things to 'chance'--or has He arranged all in His own infinite mind, and does He work all by His unerring providence? If He does--then are you justified in complaining?

Have you any real cause to complain?

Will it better your circumstances?

Will it please your Father?

Will it any way help you?

If not, leave off complaining, and "having food and clothing, let us be content with these!"

Seek grace from God, that you may . . .
  do all that is required,
  bear all that is sent, and
  endure all that is to be suffered--to His glory!