| The Ministry of Comfort |
Chapter 11 |
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In all these cases there was more than a subjective influence, bringing the suppliant into a spirit of acquiescence to that which was inevitable: there was an actual divine working in the heart, imparting grace for the hour. If you have a friend carrying a heavy load, there are two ways in which you may help him – you may take part of his burden and carry it for him, or you may put into his heart cheer and courage, making him stronger, so that he can bear his burden gladly himself. The latter way of helping is quite as effective as the former, and ofttimes it is a great deal wiser. We have a very inadequate conception of prayer if we think of our Father as always, or even usually, at ever cry of ours, hastening to lift away the burden we think too heavy, or to give us the pleasure or gratification we ask Him to give. In very many instances such answering of prayer would be unkindness, not love. Then God answers, not by giving us what we cry for, but by imparting to us strength to do without it and to rejoice in His will. But the prayer as really avails in its working as if the thing we sought had been granted.
“Father, I do not ask
That Thou wilt choose some other task
And make it mine. I pray
But this: Let every day
Be moulded still
By Thine own hand; my will
Be only Thine, however deep
I have to bend Thy hand to keep.
Let me not simply do, but be content,
Sure that the little crosses each are sent;
And no mistake can ever be
With Thine own hand to choose for me.”
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