Enforced rest

"Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest ." Mark 6:31

There are lives which to our eyes, seem only to have been begun and then abandoned — which to God's eyes are still rising into more and more graceful beauty.

Here is one who began his life-work with all the ardor of youth, and all the enthusiasm of a consecrated heart. For a time his hand never tired, his energy never slackened, and friends expected great things from him.

Then his hands gave way. The diligent hand lies folded now on his bosom. His enthusiasm no longer drives him afield. His work lies unfinished.

"What a pity!" men say. But wait. He has not left an unfinished life-work as God sees it. He is resting in submission at the Master's feet, and is growing meanwhile as a Christian.

The spiritual temple in his soul, is rising slowly in the silence. Every day is adding something to the beauty of his character, as he learns the lessons of patience, trust, peace, submission, and contentment.

His building at the last, will be more beautiful than if he had been permitted to toil on through many busy years, carrying out his own plans. He is fulfilling God's plan for his life.

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