Monday, October 3, 2016

GRIN AND BEAR IT


Yes, I am still sick.

And not feeling up to writing anything *new* this week.

So, I'm posting some words written by John Charles Ryle (1816-1900), who was the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool.  He was a writer, pastor and an evangelical preacher.  Ryle was described as having a commanding presence and vigorous in advocating his principles albeit with a warm disposition.

His words fit nicely into a series I used to feature on my blog called "Quaint Words."

And they are most encouraging to my weak and ailing body, and my flagging spirit...

Might this also encourage you!



Welcome to "Quaint Words!"

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!


"There may be much weakness and infirmity, even in a true Christian.

You have striking proof of this in the conduct of the disciples...when the waves broke over the ship.  They awoke Jesus in haste.  They said to Him, "Master, care You not that we perish?"

There was impatience.  They might have waited until their Lord thought fit to arise from His sleep.

There was unbelief.  They forgot that they were in the keeping of the One who had all power in His hand.

There was distrust.  They spoke as if they doubted their Lord's care and thoughtfulness for their safety and well-being...

But, after all, let us understand this is only a picture of what is constantly going on among believers in every age....Many of God's children get on very well so long as they have no trials.  They follow Christ very tolerably in the time of fair weather.  They fancy they are trusting Him entirely.  They flatter themselves they have cast every care on Him...But suddenly some unlooked-for trial assails them...Fear and doubt and distress and anxiety break in upon them like a flood, and they seem at their wits' end...

The plain truth is that there is no literal and absolute perfection among true Christians, so long as they are in the body.  The best and brightest of God's saints is but a poor mixed being.  Converted, renewed and sanctified though he be, he is still compassed with infirmity...

I want [you] to see that [you] may have true faith and grace, in spite of all the devil's whispers to the contrary, though [you] may feel within many doubts and fears...so long as [you] are in the body, [you] must not expect faith to be above the reach of fear...

I beseech every reader of this message to remember this.  It is a lesson worth attention.  The apostles believed in Christ, loved Christ and gave up all to follow Christ.  And yet you see in this storm the apostles were afraid.  Learn to be charitable in your judgment of them.  Learn to be moderate in your expectations from your own heart...

Let us learn, in the last place, how tenderly and patiently the Lord Jesus deals with weak believers...The whole of our Lord's conduct towards His disciples on earth deserves close consideration.  It throws a beautiful light on the compassion and patience that there is in Him...

Let all the world know that the Lord Jesus will not cast away His believing people because of shortcomings and infirmities..."


(From "Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots" by John Charles Ryle, c. 1877, enlarged 1879)




How does the compassion of Jesus console you in times of infirmity?






Still trying to grin
and
"bear" it!! 



 
"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.  Instead, be very glad -- for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world." 
(1 Peter 4:12-13, NLT)

"And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.  So be truly glad.  There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.  These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -- though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.  So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." (1 Peter 1:5-7, NLT)

"Dear brothers and sisters,a when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." 
(James 1:2-4, NLT)

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment.  For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:3-5, NLT)

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.  To him be the dominion forever and ever.  Amen." 
(1 Peter 5:10-11, ESV)



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

24 comments:

  1. So sorry you are still sick, Sharon! I hope you feel better soon! I like that Jesus is with us no matter where we are at; weak, strong, fearful, anxious, etc. He constantly reminds us he is here, we have nothing to fear, we just need to keep our eyes on him.

    betty

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  2. Praying for you, Sharon! Rest and Healing, in Jesus' Name!

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  3. So sorry you are ill, dear Sharon! Praying you are fully recovered soon!
    Blessings!

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  4. Oh Sharon, I'm sorry you're still under the weather. I hope there's been a teeny bit of improvement?
    I really enjoyed this section of thought from the book you have. Its good to know that even saints are 'a poor mixed being'. Gives me hope!
    May God bless you and keep you and give you rest and health,
    Ceil

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  5. This is excellent, though we wish you felt better! I have often thought of the disciples in the boat. ( and I could read your post perfectly.😀👍🏼

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  6. I can relate to those apostles and their unbelief at times! So sorry to read that you are sick. I'm praying for you.

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  7. Compassion for our weakness - yes, that's Jesus all right. Praying you find rest and joy in your recovery.

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  8. Praying you will be well now, in Jesus name. That the virus/bacteria will be dead and gone from your body and health return.....Hugs from Iowa.....

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  9. I'm so sorry you are not feeling well. Praying for healing!

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  10. May you experience His healing and quick recovery in Jesus' name! And yes, I am so thankful that He does not cast us off because of our weaknesses, but He's drawn to it so that He can reveal His power. That's amazing! Great reminder, Sharon. Thank you.

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  11. Oh, sweet friend! I am SO sorry...I have been meaning to come by here, and it just seems the hours in the day slip away from me without a visit here. Please forgive me! Due to my negligence, I am only now reading this and finding out that you are ill. I do trust God to heal you speedily and send restored health to your body SOON. Please know that I am praying for you and believing God for what you need. I love you, Sharon. God bless.

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  12. Sorry you are ill, Sharon. I too love the older language. Thanks for sharing.

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  13. I loved the "charitable in your judgement of them (apostles)" And nice to be reminded of how even these great men of faith were sometimes scared.

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  14. I am so sorry you are still sickly but am praying that this too shall pass and quickly at that. Thank you for sharing these words of comfort and encouragement with us here at Tell me a Story. I love your bear too.

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  15. I am so sorry you are still sick, my friend! Thank you for sharing this really great message...wow, it really spoke to my heart and gave me hope! I also want to thank you for the kind words you wrote on my post. Somehow your email disappeared in my inbox and was unable to reply to it. Now....GET BETTER, you hear???!! HUGS!

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  16. Sharon,
    I am so sorry you are sick. I pray you feel better soon. And this is a great reminder of God's compassion in our suffering. Thanks.

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  17. Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday.

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  18. Aww Sharon, so sorry to hear you're sick. Praying you feel better asap.

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  19. I see this was posted Oct 3rd , 6 days ago, pray you are better Sharon.

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  20. I hope you're feeling better, Sharon. The compassion of Jesus helps me because He knows exactly what I'm going through.It's not like when we say, I understand or I know what you're going through. He really does understand and know. Thanks for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.

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  21. Hope you feel better soon, Sharon! God's blessings!

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  22. Praying for you to get well soon, Sharon!

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  23. I am praying for you Sharon, for health and for encouragement and renewal in your heart. And I loved this quote that reminds me to have grace, something we all need.

    'The plain truth is that there is no literal and absolute perfection among true Christians, so long as they are in the body. The best and brightest of God's saints is but a poor mixed being. Converted, renewed and sanctified though he be, he is still compassed with infirmity...'

    Blessings,
    Dawn

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)