Divine contentions
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"I will not contend forever!" Isaiah 57:16
Afflictions are sometimes divine contentions.
If His children will not obey His Word—they shall feel His rod!
Our heavenly Father never makes us smart—without a needs-be for it!
But sometimes our afflictions are long continued, and we imagine that they will never be removed. Therefore the Lord informs us, that He will not contend forever. Nor will He contend one moment longer than it is necessary . . .
for the the stubborn child to yield,
for the proud spirit to bow,
for the haughty look to be brought down.
If we were to mortify our flesh—God would not mortify our spirits.
We must be weaned from the world.
We must pass through the wilderness—to Canaan.
The cross always comes before the crown!
The bitter always comes before the sweet!
Yet the Lord will not contend forever!
The wilderness will soon be crossed, and death will soon lift the cross from our galled shoulder, and God will bestow on us . . .
"a crown of beauty—instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness—instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise—instead of a spirit of despair!" Isaiah 61:3
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