Cornered

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

" . . . in a strait bewtixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.  Nevertheless to aide . . . is more needful."   Philippians  1:23, 24

     The Apostle Paul had once enjoyed a unique experience.  Being caught up into the third heaven, he had tasted the indescribable bliss of Paradise and knew that it was gain and far better.  He longed to return to those "many mansions," yet the urgent need of his converts here below tempered his yearning to "depart and to be with Christ."  The expression Paul uses is picturesque.  Literally he says,  "I am pressed in a corner between two strong desires."  It is not difficult to understand his problem, for in this life he had a thorn in the flesh, was languishing in a prison, and had the tremendous burden of all the new missionary churches resting upon his shoulders.  Bearing in his earthly tabernacle the "marks of the Lord Jesus," he knew he would find blessed relief in the sinless bowers of Paradise.  Yet Paul recognized that he must not selfishly seek to desert the duties which God had given him.

     We often hear of those who because of illness or discouragement earnestly wish to "depart, and to be with Christ."  However, the Lord has work for them to do - even though it may be only a silent witness from a white cot of pain - therefore, He leaves them here.  If you are among those who are pressed into such a corner, remember the Apostle Paul, who was willing to remain here if it was for God's glory and the benefit of others.

     On the other hand, there may be some who are clinging to life though they know death is near.  To you Paul says in effect,  "There is something far better beyond the horizon of time.  You may soon be granted the joy of eternal gain - the glory of Christ's presence.  Do not fear, for when you leave your cramped corner of pain, you will suddenly find yourself in the broad palaces of His eternal pleasures!"

     Whatever your lot, keep trusting, knowing that to those who leave the choice with Him, God ever sends the best.

"Bread For Each Day"