Courage Until the End (2)

Let us then bring our hearts to holy resolutions, and set ourselves upon that which is good, and against that which is ill, in ourselves or others, according to our callings, with this encouragement, that Christ's grace and power will go along with us. What would have become of that great work of reformation of religion in the latter spring of the gospel if men had not been armed with invincible courage to overcome all hindrances, with this faith, that the cause was Christ's, and that he would not fail to help his own cause? Martin Luther confessed that he often acted inconsiderately and was moved by various passions. But when he acknowledged this, God did not condemn him for his errors, but the cause being God's, and his aims being holy, to promote the truth, and being a mighty man in prayer, and strong in faith, God by him kindled that fire which all the world will never be able to quench. According to our faith, so is our encouragement to all duties. Believe it, therefore, that though the church is often as smoking flax, yet it will prevail. Let us wait a while, 'stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord' (Exod. 14:13). May the Lord reveal himself more and more to us in the face of his Son Jesus Christ and magnify the power of his grace. May he persuade us that, since he has taken us into the covenant of grace, he will not cast us off. And because Satan labours to obscure the glory of God's mercy and hinder our comfort by discouragements, the Lord adds this to the rest of his mercies: that since he is so gracious to those that yield to his rule, we may make the right use of this grace, and not lose any portion of comfort that is laid up for us in Christ. May he grant that the prevailing power of his Spirit in us should be an evidence of the truth of grace begun, and a pledge of final victory, at that time when he will be all in all, in all his, for all eternity. Amen.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Bruised Reed, pp. 127-28 [142-43]
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