Today, I read a piece of writing approximately one hundred and twenty-one years old. I love the way God uses the Bible and the powerful words of those before us to speak directly to our lives.
Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was a prominent Christian speaker and preacher in Europe and America. He was a minister to the missionaries. One day in 1895 while suffering from back pain, (the result from thrown from a cart in South Africa) Murray penned these words of encouragement in his journal:
In Time of Trouble Say:
By Andrew Murray
First, He brought me here;
It is by His will I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest.
Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.
Then, He will make the trial a blessing,
Teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace
He means to bestow.
Last, In His good time He can bring me out again – how and when He knows.
Let me say I am here,
(1) By God’s appointment.
(2) In his keeping.
(3) Under His training.
(4) For His time.
Words spoken or written, today or centuries ago hold power. The story goes on to say that Andrew Murray had a visitor desiring a word. Bedridden, Murray tore out the freshly penned words from his journal and offered it as encouragement.
Are you at home recovering? What method of communication can you use to encourage someone today?
While facing many struggles, I remember the four-point message by Andrew Murray. I am here by God’s appointment; in His keeping; under His training; for His time and “It is well with my soul.”
~April Dawn White