March 3 — Morning

Comfort thyself, tried believer, with this thought: God says, "I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction." Does not the word come like a soft shower, assuaging the fury of the flame? Yes, is it not an asbestos armor, against which the heat has no power? Let affliction come-God has chosen me. Poverty, you mayst stride in at my door, but God is in the house already, and He has chosen me. Sickness, you mayst intrude, but I have a balsam ready-God has chosen me. Whatever befalls me in this vale of tears, I know that He has "chosen" me. If, believer, you requirest still greater comfort, remember that you have the Son of Man with you in the furnace. In that silent chamber of yours, there sitts by your side One whom you have not seen, but whom you lovest; and often when you knowest it not, He makes all your bed in your affliction, and smooths your pillow for you. You art in poverty; but in that lovely house of your the Lord of life and glory is a frequent visitor. He loves to come into these desolate places, that He may visit you. Your friend sticks closely to you. You can not see Him, but you mayst feel the pressure of His hands. Dost you not hear His voice? Even in the valley of the shadow of death He says, "Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God." Remember that noble speech of Caesar: "Fear not, you carriest Caesar and all his fortune." Fear not, Christian; Jesus is with you. In all your fiery trials, His presence is both your comfort and safety. He will never leave one whom He has chosen for His own. "Fear not, for I am with you," is His sure word of promise to His chosen ones in the "furnace of affliction." Will you not, then, take fast hold of Christ, and say- "Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead, I'll follow where He goes."