"Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the
house of the Lord" 1 Chronicles 26:27
Physical force is stored in the bowels of the earth, in the coal mines, which came from the fiery heat that burned up great forests in ancient ages; and so spiritual force is stored in the depths of our being, through the very pain which we cannot understand.
Someday we shall find that the spoils we have won from our trials were just preparing us to become true "Great Hearts" in the Pilgrim's Progress, and to lead our fellow pilgrims triumphantly through trial to the city of the King.
But let us never forget that the source of helping other people must bevictorious suffering. The whining, murmuring pag never does anybody any good.
Paul did not carry a cemetery with him, but a chorus of victorious praise; and the harder the trial, the more he trusted and rejoiced, shouting from the very altar of sacrifice. He said, "Yea, and if I be offered upon the service and sacrifice of your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all." Lord, help me this day to draw strength from all that comes to me! FROM FAYS OF HEAVEN UPON EARTH*
He placed me in a little cage,
Away from gardens fair,
But I must sing the sweetest songs
Because he placed me there.
Not beat my wings against the cage
If it's my Maker's will,
But raise my voice to heaven's gate
And sing the louder still!
Devotional exerpts from Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Published by Zondervan Publishing Company