"The soul realizes that nothing stands between it
and hell except Christ; and rather than die she cries out to Him, willing to
follow His direction.
I hope you do not think I limit the Holy One of Israel in
working to the same degree and measure in everyone. But in all cases the
humbling work of the Spirit must convince a person before peace and comfort
come to empty the soul of false confidence which she has stored up. Then the
heart becomes like a vessel whose bottom has been beaten out until all the
water spills out. It hates sin it once loved. The hopes, which pleased and
sustained her are gone and the person is left in a desolate and solitary
condition.
The soul realizes that nothing stands between it and hell
except Christ; and rather than die she cries out to Him, willing to follow
direction. The soul is like a patient who is thoroughly convinced of her
doctor's skill and care. This is what I call "the broken heart."
I beg you, though, not to rest until your conscience
answers some questions. Was your wine once water? Does your light arise from
darkness? Is your peace the product of soul-conflict and trouble? Did you bleed
before your were healed? If so, bless God who has turned your mourning into
dancing.
On the other hand, if you drank wine before your pots
were ever filled with water; if your morning dawned before there was evening;
if your peace was settled before your false peace was broken; if your
conscience was sound and whole before it was lanced and drained of pride and
carnal confidence-- you may possess short-lived peace. But Jesus denies all
this to be His cure. It requires far more power to work true godly sorrow than
false joy. You would be happier mourning from distress of a troubled conscience
than dancing around the devil's idol of peace.
"As many as walk according to this rule, peace be on
them" Galatians 6:16. Now "this rule" is the holy walk of the
"new creature" according to God's Word (v. 15). The principles of
grace planted in the believer's soul are as appropriate to it as the agreement
between the eye and light.”
Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete
Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S Bell.
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