Pill for the Week - Fainting yet Pursuing There is an old story in Greek annals of a soldier under Antigonus, who had a disease, an extremely painful one, likely to bring him soon to the grave. Always first in the charge was this soldier, rushing into the hottest part of the fray. His pain prompted him to fight, that he might forget it; and he feared not death, because he knew that in any case he had not long to live. Antigonus, who greatly admired the valour of his soldier, discovering his malady, had him cured by one of the most eminent physicians of the day; but from that moment the warrior was absent from the front of the battle. He now sought his ease; for, as he remarked to his companions, he had something worth living for—health, home, and other comforts. Faint, yet pursuing.” Why are believers faint? I. The Christian is apt to faint in the time of temptation, when sin assails and troubles him. They are so because of sin. Even the Christian is still considerably under its power. And often, through getting a clear view of his own corruption, he becomes desponding. He fears that the day of complete deliverance from sinning and from sin will never come. Then, springing from this great root of bitterness, many other things arise to produce faintness. II. The Christian is apt to faint in time of affliction. Suffering is one of them. For religion does not free from suffering. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous.” And often, under his troubles, the believer gets sorely dispirited. His patience gives way; his fortitude fails; he loses heart. Another saddening thing is bereavement. The mourners we have always with us. Call faith to your help; trust God’s goodness, power, and love. III. The Christian is apt to faint in his endeavours to do good. IV. The Christian is apt to faint in prayer, whether praying for himself or for others. V. Another cause of depression is worldly loss. The Israelites suffered much in this way. Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by bread. VI. One other cause of faintness is anxiety about the future. Bunyan’s Mr. Fearing has left behind him a very numerous family. But from the causes of faintness turn now to the things by the help of which the faint may continue pursuing. One of these remedies is repentance. Another cure for faintness is faith—a persistent trustful clinging to Christ, and to God in Him. Another remedy is gratitude. And so, still, if fainting hearts would but meditate more on God’s kindnesses to them, they would be mightily strengthened to bear their trials. And here you have another cure for faintness—hope. And still God’s afflicted ones are saved by hope. Say, “I will hope continually, and will yet praise Thee more and more.” And then, having so vowed, act accordingly. “Praise is comely.” But more, this your praising of God will give you a still fuller mastery over your faintness. Now sing with me.... O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s a light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free! Refrain Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no more hath dominion— For more than conquerors we are! Refrain His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell! (Helen H. Lemmel, 1922) Refrain Follow the lyrics here https://youtube/watch?v=l0k258D1Lis If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. Proverbs 24:10 (KJV) Dont give in, hold on......May the Lord renew your strength even today in Jesus Name. Amen.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 20:20:27 +0000
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