HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Indeed, my Christian life is an enigma.
For I am in the world — and yet my love and home are far away. I am no ascetic nor recluse; but my “heart and brain move there,” only my “feet stay here.”
And I am haunted by sin — and nevertheless delivered from sin. It dogs my steps and dims my peace, but I am Christ’s freeman still. In secret though, in practice, in aspiration, I am among the saints.
And the smaller my burden grows — the more I feel its pressure. My heart is advancing in grace, through God’s communion with me. But my conscience is learning more sensitivity. It condemns me oftener.
And I am weak — and yet I am strong. Weak in my own helplessness, as apart from Him I can do nothing. But then, as I lean on Him, He endows me with a strength that will neither bend nor break.
And what crushes others — lifts me higher. The affliction, against which the worldling rebel — gives.
- a new edge to my holiness,
- a new fervency to my prayers,
- a new breadth to my sympathy,
- a new brightness to my Heaven!
My Lord has been a long time with me — but I scarcely know Him yet.
And I am satisfied — and still, I hunger.
And though I am glad to live — I shall be gladder to die.
Life is Christ’s fellowship and Christ’s service.
Death is Christ’s presence, Christ’s throne, Christ’s crown!
Beyond question, I am a wonder to others — and to myself!
Where are you standing in His presence?
