Strength to grapple

(MacDuff, “Words of Comfort to the Christian Pilgrim”)

“As your days, so shall your strength be.” Deut. 33:25

The Christian is frequently compared to a pilgrim,
traveling onward through a dreary wilderness, to
the promised land of Canaan.

His experience is varied and chequered. Therefore the
path before him may be steep and arduous.
He may have to pass through . . .
rough and stony places;
dark, thick forests;
rapid streams;
raging hurricanes.

His days may be such, as to require great . . .
strength,
and energy,
and perseverance.

Oftentimes, when he strives to anticipate the future,
his heart sinks within him, his courage fails, and he is
apt to give way to despondency and doubt. But, such
a promise, “As your days, so shall your strength be,”
may well suffice to calm the believer’s fears, and
reanimate his fainting spirit. …

But to the child of God, there is a supply of strength

to meet the hour of trial. He is not permitted to escape
from the burden, the cross, the difficulty. But he is
enabled to make his way through them all; to struggle
with, and finally to overcome them.

Many a time, when the believer has been well near
crushed under the oppressive weight; when conscious
that ordinary strength would not avail, he has cried
unto the Lord, and a fresh supply of grace has been
given to meet the emergency; so that he could say
with David, “I waited patiently for the Lord to help
me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. Because He lifted
me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the
mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied
me as I walked along.” Psalm 40:1-2
​…​
The Christian, by each difficulty he is called on to
encounter; by each trial he is summoned to bear;
by each virtue he is required to call into exercise;
becomes more vigorous, earnest, faithful, and
Christlike. His soul is gradually training and
strengthening by duty, trial, and endurance here;
for glory, honor, and immortality hereafter. …

Strength to grapple with the last enemy will

be given when he comes forth to meet you.

Yes, Christian! be assured, grace and strength

will be imparted when you need them, as certainly
as they will be withheld before you need them.

Because He who guides you, knows your necessities, and,
in the day of trouble, will not leave you comfortless.

Journey on, then, with firmness, relying on His
promise. Your day is coming. You will, before long,
enter into your final rest, and repose from all your
labors. Therefore You will take possession of the promised
inheritance, and will then acknowledge with a grateful
heart, “As my days, so my strength has been.”

Strength to grapple!