“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” I Corinthians 6:13
When I became a Christian at the age of 12 I was relieved to know I no longer had to fear death or hell. However, as I grew older and grew in the Lord, I realized that this wonderful Christian life had some bumps along the way. I remember one book in my dad’s library (of thousands) he had, called, “The Bumps Are What You Grow On.”
This book was a good read. I have learned that we do toil in this life as a Christian with battling the devil. But, it serves to increase our courage, bring us peace and bear witness of a loving God Who watches over us. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7)
Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord.
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.
Isaac Watts had a very full and busy life but it was definitely not one of ease. His father was a Nonconformist. This means he did not follow the Church of England and he spent time in prison over it. Watts, himself, also declined to be ordained by the Church of England and served as a pastor of an independent congregation.
He spent some years very sick and yet he endured in his ministries as well as writing many songs. He bore much in toil and pain but he bore it in the strength of his Lord. David told his son, Solomon in I Chronicles 28:20, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” David was encouraging Solomon to never give up in serving the Lord.
What toil are you doing for God? What difficulties have you encountered? Don’t give up and don’t get discouraged!