“I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike.” Acts 26:22
When Paul stood before Agrippa, it was twenty-five years after his conversion. They had been years of toilsome life, amid enemies and dangers; but the heroic old apostle had never given up, never faltered, never turned aside. It was a great record — but he takes no praise to himself. The help came from God — for all these years of faithful witnessing.
Many Christians fear that they will not be able to stand faithful and true to the end. Here is an encouraging word for all such: They shall obtain help from God for every duty, for every hour of danger, for every struggle. They need only to be faithful day by day, doing the day’s duty quietly, and trusting God. This help will come from Him, silently, secretly, just as it is needed, always sufficient grace — so they will be able to stand faithful year after year. God never puts a burden on us — without giving us the strength we need to carry it. The way to obtain the help of God — is to go faithfully and promptly forward in the way of duty, asking for the help, and sure of getting it. It will not come if we wait to get it before we set out to do His will.
“I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you — will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
J.R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.
