Spurgeon Meditations

 

I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

Isa 48 10

Comfort thyself tried believer with this thought: God saith I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Does not the word come like a soft shower assuaging the fury of the flame? Yea is it not an asbestos armour against which the heat hath no power? Let affliction come--God has chosen me. Poverty thou mayst stride in at my door but God is in the house already and He has chosen me. Sickness thou mayst intrude but I have a balsam ready--God has chosen me. Whatever befalls me in this vale of tears I know that He has "chosen" me. If believer thou requirest still greater comfort remember that you have the Son of Man with you in the furnace. In that silent chamber of yours there sitteth by your side One whom thou hast not seen but whom thou lovest; and ofttimes when thou knowest it not He makes all thy bed in thy affliction and smooths thy pillow for thee. Thou art in poverty; but in that lovely house of thine the Lord of life and glory is a frequent visitor. He loves to come into these desolate places that He may visit thee. Thy friend sticks closely to thee. Thou canst not see Him but thou mayst feel the pressure of His hands. Dost thou not hear His voice? Even in the valley of the shadow of death He says Fear not, I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thyGod. Remember that noble speech of Caesar: "Fear not thou carriest Caesar and all his fortune." Fear not Christian; Jesus is with thee. In all thy fiery trials His presence is both thy comfort and safety. He will never leave one whom He has chosen for His own. "Fear not for I am with thee is His sure word ofpromise to His chosen ones in the furnace of affliction." Wilt thou not then take fast hold of Christ and say-- Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead, I'll follow where He goes.


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