Acquainted with Grief

I have been incredibly blessed by my new devotion these past few days. Every entry seems to resonate with me in some way. I said in my last post that her devotions did not do much for me years ago when I first received the book as a gift. I think I understand why that is. I just read the author description in the back of the book:

"Along with her husband, Mrs. Charles E. Cowman served as a pioneering missionary in Japan and China from 1901 to 1917, during which time they helped to found the Oriental Missionary Society. When her husband's poor health forced the couple to return to the United States, Mrs. Cowman turned her attention to caring for him, and nursed him until his death six years later. Out of these experiences and heartbreak came Streams in the Desert..."

Ten years ago, when I first tried to read this book, I had not experienced heartbreak or great difficulty. Now that I have, I think her words mean much more to me. I hope what I share of her work is a balm to your soul, as well.

"I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the 'enemy comes in like a flood,' that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.
Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee...Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation (2 Thess. 2:16-17). Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of My deepest lessons...Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with [holy oil]. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things...Grieve not for things you've seemed to miss. The thing I send is best for thee." (excerpts from Feb. 1 entry, Streams in the Desert)