「這樣,亞伯拉罕既恆久忍耐,就得了所應許的。」(聖經希伯來書來六章 15 節)
讀者,亞伯拉罕所受的試驗極久,但是他所得到的酬報卻極厚。神用遷延應許的方法試驗他;撒旦用誘惑試驗他;世人用嫉妒、懷疑、反對,試驗他;撒拉用她乖戾的性情試驗他。
但是他卻恆久忍耐。他並不質問神的誠實,也不限制神的權力;他不懷疑神的信實,也不傷憂神的慈心;但向神聖的君王俯伏,絕對信任祂的智慧。雖然神遷延日久,他卻並不作聲,只安安心心地等待神的時候。這樣,他既恆久忍耐,就得了所應許的。
神的應允,是不能不完成的。忍耐的等候者,是不能失望的。信心的盼望,終必實現。親愛的,亞伯拉罕的德行,真叫急躁的人受羞,叫出怨言的人受譴責,叫忍耐的人得揄揚,叫安心順服神旨的人得鼓勵。
請你記得,亞伯拉罕曾受過試驗、曾恆久等候、曾得了所應允的,而心滿意足了。你當效法他的榜樣,這樣,你將要享到同樣的祝福。── 選
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“And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”(Heb. 6:1.)
Abraham was long tried, but he was richly rewarded. The Lord tried him by delaying to fulfill His promise. Satan tried him by temptation; men tried him by jealousy, distrust, and opposition; Sarah tried him by her peevishness. But he patiently endured. He did not question God's veracity, nor limit His power, nor doubt His faithfulness, nor grieve His love; but he bowed to Divine Sovereignty, submitted to Infinite Wisdom, and was silent under delays, waiting the Lord's time. And so, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
God's promises cannot fail of their accomplishment. Patient waiters cannot be disappointed. Believing expectation shall be realized.
Beloved, Abraham's conduct condemns a hasty spirit, reproves a murmuring one, commends a patient one, and encourages quiet submission to God's will and way. Remember, Abraham was tried; he patiently waited; he received the promise, and was satisfied. Imitate his example, and you will share the same blessing. -- Selected.
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