What sustained Paul under these pressures? There is only one possible answer. He had a vital knowledge of the character of God, the work of Christ, the nature of God’s ways, and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. His life was characterised by the power which the truth released in his experience. This is why his appeals to the early church are so poignant: “Do you not know? he asks; “if only you knew and understood, then your lives would be so different”
Character of God
William Backus
When we say, “God made me lose my job,” or “made my child ill,” or “made me marry a loser,” or “made me fail in business” — God answers that He does only good, not evil.
Richard C. Halverson
Christian faith-the faith that counts – is that which depends on God – no matter what circumstances are like. This is faith in God, Himself – faith in God’s character – faith in God’s integrity.
Katherine Walden
How comforting it is to know the Bigness of God in the midst of our deepest pain. What a blessed salve it is to our broken and wounded hearts to know that the Creator of the universe, the one who holds all the stars in his hand, carries us in his heart. He knows us by name, he is intimately acquainted with every thought, he hears every heart cry and understands every motive of our heart, and he loves us still.
Oswald Chambers
The battle of prayer is against two things in the earthlies: wandering thoughts, and lack of intimacy with God’s character as revealed in His word. Neither can be cured at once, but they can be cured by discipline.
Penelope J. Stokes
As we rest upon God’s character, depending on the truth of who He is, we can wait in hope for His grace to be revealed. Whatever the circumstances, whatever God does or does not do, we can be certain of His grace extended to us. We can change our focus, looking not at what is visible, but at the eternal truth of the invisible. We can transfer our gaze from God’s hand to His face.
Graham Kendrick
Our approach to God is conditioned by our concept of Him, whether accurate or distorted. If we suspect that He is too busy with more important matters, as if we think there is a great queue in front of us, we won’t want to bother Him. If we see Him as a tyrant, watching sternly for any false moves, ready with a big stick to wallop us, we will come very warily! If, on the other had, we see Him as a soft and indulgent “super-daddy,” we may come presumptuously, blundering carelessly onto holy ground.
Frances Ridley Havergal
“He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” Think of that when you are tempted to question the gentleness of His leading. He is remembering all the time; and not one step will He make you take beyond what your foot is able to endure. Never mind if you think it will not be able for the step that seems to come next; either He will so strengthen it that it shall be able, or He will call a sudden halt, and you shall not have to take it at all.
Amy Carmichael
All the paths of the Lord are loving and faithful” Psalm 25:10 I have pondered this verse lately, and have found that it feeds my spirit. All does not mean “all – except the paths I am walking in now,” or “nearly all – except this especially difficult and painful path.” All must mean all. So, your path with its unexplained sorrow or turmoil, and mine with its sharp flints and briers – and both our paths, with their unexplained perplexity, their sheer mystery – they are His paths, on which he will show himself loving and faithful. Nothing else; nothing less.
Elisabeth Elliot
The God who created, names and numbers the stars in the heavens also numbers the stars of my head. He pays attention to very big things and to very small ones. What matters to me matters to Him, and that changes my life.