After he had patiently endured he obtained the promise. - Hebrews 6:15
Abraham was long tried, but he was richly rewarded. The Lord tried him by delaying to fulfil His promise; Satan tried him by temptations; men tried him by jealousy, distrust, and opposition; Hagar tried him by contemning her mistress; and Sarah tried him by her peevishness.

But he patiently endured. He did not question God's veracity, nor limit His power, nor doubt His faithfulness, nor grieve His love: but he bowed to divine sovereignty, submitted to infinite wisdom, and was silent under delays, waiting the Lord's time.
And so, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

God's promises cannot fail of their accomplishment. Patient waiters cannot be disappointed. Believing expectations shall be realized. Beloved, Abraham's conduct condemns a hasty spirit, reproves a murmuring one, commends a patient one, and encourages quiet submission to God's will and way."

Remember, Abraham was tried; he patiently waited; he received the promise and was satisfied; imitate his example, and you will share the same blessing.

All anxious cares I fain would leave,
And learn with sweet content to live
On what the Lord shall send;
Whate'er He sends, He sends in love,
And good or bad things blessings prove,
If blessed by this Friend.

The Believer's Daily Remembrancer by James Smith

 

A New Year Prayer

A NEW YEAR PRAYER

O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me
except the days are passed in thy presence,
in thy service, to thy Glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from thee,
but may rely on thy Spirit
to supply in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth thy praise;
testify thy love,
advance thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with thee, O Father, as my harbor,
thee, O Son, at my helm,
thee, O Holy spirit, filly my sails.

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to thy calls,
my heart full of Love,
my soul free.

Give me thy grace to sanctify me,
thy comforts to cheer,
thy wisdom to teach,
thy right hand to guild,
thy counsel to instruct,
thy law to judge,
thy presence to stabilize.

My thy fear be my awe,
thy triumph my joy.