Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

GOD IS NOT FORGETFUL!

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Heb. 6:10

Here is an interesting story that appeared some years ago. Much may be drawn from it. When Britain’s oldest man turned 111, vintage aircraft did a flyover, and the Band of the Royal Marines played “Happy Birthday.” According to the Daily Mirror, Henry Allingham was amazed by all of the attention. Until 6 years earlier, he had for 86 years kept secret the horrific memories of what happened in the trenches of World War I. Only when tracked down by the World War I Veterans Association did this old man, who had been shelled, bombed, and shot, receive honor for what he had endured on behalf of his country. There is rejoicing when something good like this makes headlines.

However, all are reminded that the story of the Bible gives parallels to Henry’s story. The Scriptures show that those who fight the battles of God often end up wounded, imprisoned, and even killed as a result of their service.

The cynic might observe such lives, and conclude with a sigh that no good deed goes unpunished. But the author of Hebrews sees a bigger, brighter picture. He underscores that everything and anything done in faith and love will one day be honored by God (6:10).

God shared a testimony with His people through Isaiah, that speaks comfort to all believers to this day. “Can a woman forget her suckling child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” Isa. 49:15.

Satan is well aware of what it takes to sidetrack God’s people. But, most of the time God’s people are not aware, that Satan is aware, and that he is a master at what he does. Victory in life is a matter of overcoming the forces of defeat within. Overcoming those also delivers a victory over Satan who has worked hard to implant them and underscore them.

Are you discouraged today? Do you feel insignificant? Do you know why you may feel that way? A little girl was scolded by her mother after she kicked her brother, and pulled his hair. “The devil made you do this,” the mother declared. The little girls said, “Yes, he made me kick him, but I pulled his hair because I wanted to.”

Truly, there are times when discouragement and low self-esteem are self-induced. Then there are times that those things visit us from external circumstances. Regardless, their presence is the glee of the devil, and the loss of time and energy that would lift individual spirits and bring honor to God. In either case, Jesus has the answer, and He bids us all to fellowship with Him in the Word and through prayer. How happy are those who do so.

FOR THOUGHT: Do you feel forgotten after trying to serve God? Be assured that God will not forget anything you have done in your service to Him or to others. Truly, little is much when God is in it.

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