I find it most true, that the greatest temptation out of hell, is to live without temptations; if my waters should stand, they would rot. Faith is the better of the free air, and of the sharp winter storm in its face. Grace withereth without adversity. The devil is but God’s master fencer, to teach us to handle our weapons.
– Samuel Rutherford –
We learned a lesson that morning. When we arrive at the end of our own strength it is not defeat, but the start of tapping into God’s boundless resources. It is when we are weak that we are strong in God.
– Brother Yun –
He that willingly submits to the cross, to him its whole burden is changed into a sweet assurance of divine comfort. And the more the flesh is broken down by the cross, the more the spirit is strengthened by inward grace. It is not in man by nature to bear the cross, to love the cross, to deny self, to bring the body into subjection, and willingly to endure suffering. If thou look to thyself, thou canst accomplish nothing of all this. But if thou trust in the Lord, strength shall be given thee from heaven, and the world and the flesh shall be made subject to thy rule. Set thyself, therefore, to bear manfully the cross of thy Lord, who out of love was crucified for thee.
– Thomas a’Kempis –
Yes, there lies before us a beautiful possible life – one that shall have a passion for giving: that shall be poured forth to God – spent out for man: that shall be consecrated for the hardest work and the darkest sinners.
– Lillias Trotter –
Be daring. None of us have a long time to live. Again, what years we have, let us live them with God. If there is any suffering, it will be sweet, even pleasant, while we are with Him. And brother, without Him the greatest pleasure you could ever have would be but anguish.
– Brother Lawrence –
I will stay in this prison until moss grows on my eyelids before disobeying God.
– John Bunyan –
When the house churches heard about the arrest of 36 of the 39 workers, do you think they were disillusioned? Far from it! Believers all around the nation lifted up holy hands before the Lord and with tears streaming down their cheeks they thanked the Lord for performing the great miracle of getting three Chinese missionaries out of China! We have learned to be thankful for any advance of the gospel.
– from Back To Jerusalem: Three Chinese House Church Leaders Share Their Vision to Complete the Great Commission –
When I am in the cellar of affliction, I look for the Lord’s choicest wines.
– Samuel Rutherford –
Afflictions are but the shadows of God’s wings.
– George Macdonald –