This evening as I was reading chapter two of a new book entitled Helpful Truth in Past Places written by Mark Deckard, I encountered a series of principles he quotes from a lecture given by Sinclair Ferguson. Although all of these principles are well known to me and established in my heart through many scriptural passages and examples, I found myself thinking how quickly and easily these truths can fade from conscious thought. And so, to help me reestablish these truths…and hopefully, to also encourage you…here are ten of Ferguson’s thoughts:
- God is in control of his universe.
- God is working out his perfect purposes.
- God is not my servant.
- God’s ways are far more mysterious and wonderful than I can understand.
- God is good–all of the time; I can trust him–all of the time.
- God’s timetable is not the same as mine.
- God is far more interested in what I become than in what I do.
- Freedom from suffering is not part of the promise of the Christian gospel.
- Suffering is an integral part of the Christian life.
- God’s purposes, not mine, are what bring him glory.
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.
Let the favor of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands…yes, establish the work of our hands!
Psalm 90:14-17