The Talk Place

I am a Charles Spurgeon fan. I love his fiery, heartfelt and passionate preaching. The way he pleads for mankind to consider their wretched state before God and to embrace His gift of salvation is nothing short of inspiring.

As I sat this morning in my quiet time with the Lord, I read a small devotion by Spurgeon. The Scripture reference from Lamentations was "It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young". In our modern day church culture, we are taught by many that God only wants to bless us, give us health, wealth and financial prosperity. Some would go as far as to say that a real Christian should live a perfect, happy and affliction free life. But that is contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Spurgeon addresses this false teaching brilliantly. He says, "The yoke of affliction, disappointment and excessive labour is by no means to be sought for; but when the Lord lays it on us in our youth, it frequently develops a character which glorifies God and blesses the church".

As I read that this morning I was encouraged when I reflected upon the work of our missionaries, and the hardships and afflictions they endure to spread the gospel message. When I read the letters from the field from our recordists and missionaries, and the testimonies that they share, I cannot help but think of the many blessings that await them in heaven. The work they do goes largely unrecognised, and the many people who turn to Jesus as a result of their work suffer severely for their conversion. Many families are ostracised from their villages and family, and many suffer beatings, torture and prison. The simple thing to do would be to renounce Christ, and to once again be embraced and welcomed back into society. Many of these converts and missionaries are young men and their families. They are truly bearing the yoke while they are young.

God is so faithful. His hand is upon these people and He will finish the work in them that He started. I am encouraged to pray for these people, thanking God for what He is doing, rather than seeking a life of ease, pleasure and prosperity. Suffering brings humility when we accept that everything that happens to us has not escaped the attention of a sovereign and all powerful God.