Thoughts from the Grist

“It is our duty to be “perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1); to be “growing in grace” every day (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18); to be “renewing our inward man day by day: (2 Cor. 4:16). Now, this cannot be done without the daily mortifying of sin. Sin sets its strength against every act of holiness and against every degree we grow to. Let not that man think he makes any progress in holiness who walks not over the bellies of his lusts. He who does not kill sin in his way takes no steps toward his journey’s end. He who finds not opposition from it, and who sets not himself in every particular to its mortification, is at peace with it, not dying to it.”

John Owen

Overcoming Sin and Temptation page 55

It has been an interesting and challenging two years. I am sure that many who read this would say that their lives are more challenging than mine. However, this is not a “pity me” post. Quite to the contrary, my hope is that some who are experiencing difficulties would read this post and be encouraged to worship and enjoy the God of mercy and grace.

It was a little over two years ago that my wife lost her cousin to ovarian cancer. Shortly after that event we found out that her brother had colon cancer that had moved to his liver. He died a bit over a year ago. During that time we found out that my wife had cancer. And, after the proceedures and surgery we found out that the insurance company refused to cover any of the costs. Then, Ruth’s father was diagnosed as having a tumor on his brain. And then, about one year ago my brother was diagnosed with cancer. And then my aunt was twice diagnosed with lung cancer and sarcoma in her leg. In several of these cases, death was the result while in other cases the battle is still ongoing.

On another front, I am reminded again and again that being a pastor is a call to die. Christ died for his bride and I am called to be the protector of his sheep. That demands death.

Why do I mention all this when many who may read this do not know me nor will ever know me? because of what the Lord has taught me repeatedly through these experiences. A dear friend pointed me to a song a number of months ago that has continued to challenge and encourage me when I find I am shrinking my life down to the size of my life rather than seeking to glorify Jesus Christ. It is an old hymn written by William Cowper:

God moves in a mysterious way

1. God moves in a mysterious way
   His wonders to perform;
   He plants His footsteps in the sea
   And rides upon the storm.
2. Deep in unfathomable mines
   Of never failing skill
   He treasures up His bright designs
   And works His sov’reign will.
3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
   The clouds ye so much dread
   Are big with mercy and shall break
   In blessings on your head.
4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
   But trust Him for His grace;
   Behind a frowning providence
   He hides a smiling face.
5. His purposes will ripen fast,
   Unfolding every hour;
   The bud may have a bitter taste,
   But sweet will be the flow’r.
6. Blind unbelief is sure to err
   And scan His work in vain;
   God is His own interpreter,
   And He will make it plain.