But God hath promised. . . .

"But He said to me, `My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness'." (2 Corinthians 12:9a).

When our oldest son died we chose this lovely poem for his funeral card. It seemed so appropriate:

God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through;

God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.

But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,

Grace for all trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
Annie Johnson Flint

By His grace are we saved from that which would destroy the holy quality of our life. He drapes His mantle of love over our depressed spirit and lifts our breaking heart to His healing heart. Emerson said, "The hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer." Perseverance is an essential word in the Christian's vocabulary. Jesus told His disciples, "... He who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22).

Father, please help us to remember that Your grace is sufficient to keep us going through what we must endure, and it is sufficient to the end.