"I never would have been able to comfort anguished seekers if I myself had not been kept waiting for mercy. I have always felt grateful for distress because of the results afterward. Many saints whose experiences are published could never have written those books if they had not waited hungry and thirsty and full of soul sorrow. The spade of agony digs deep trenches to hold the water of life. If the ships of prayer do not speedily return, it is because they are heavily loaded with blessings. When prayer is not immediately answered, it will be all the sweeter when the answer arrives. Prayer, like fruit, is ripened by hanging longer on the tree. If you knock with a heavy heart, you will soon sing with the joy of the Spirit. Therefore, do no be discouraged because the door is still closed."
-Charles Spurgeon
-Charles Spurgeon
3 comments:
What a powerful picture of Lydia to go with this Spurgeon quote.
The look of anticipation and hope and trust. Looking beyond the closed gate, knowing that an answered prayer is on the horizon... she starts to stand on her tip toes in expectation... waiting with a child's faith... knowing her Father is good... she pulls her face closer to the closed gate, still not seeing the gate, fixing her eyes on the promise.
Vicki G.
What a great post!
I especially like the part that says:
"If the ships of prayer do not speedily return, it is because they are heavily loaded with blessings."
We might tend to think the ships are delayed...and they may be...but it will be because they are overflowing with the cargo of blessings!
So wonderful to see Ian at church yesterday! I hope the trip didn't tire him out, but energized him!
Still praying for his complete recovery!
Mary Ann K.
awwwww I love the picture of Lydia she's just too cute!!! we will continue to pray for Ian and your family
Becca
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