Read: Psalm 73:21-26

God is the strength of my
heart and my portion
forever. -Psalm 73:26

In 1812, the genteel New Englander Ann Judson embarked
with her husband Adoniram on a long ministry of danger
and hardship. The Judsons were sailing to far-off Burma
as pioneer missionaries.

Ann recorded in her diary how they survived in next-
to-intolerable conditions. “Have been distressed for
some days on account of the gloomy prospect before us,”
she wrote. “Everything respecting our little mission is
involved in uncertainty. I find it hard to live by
faith, and confide entirely in God when the way is dark
before me.”

Yet Ann added, “If the way were plain and easy, where
would be the room for confidence in God. Instead, then,
of murmuring and complaining, let me rejoice and be
thankful that my heavenly Father compels me to trust in
Him by removing those things on which we are naturally
inclined to lean.”

Despite extreme hardship, Ann Judson would agree with
the psalmist, “God is the strength of my heart and my
portion forever” (Ps. 73:26).

What is our attitude when the props we have depended
on are suddenly gone? Are we grateful for the trials
that can strengthen our faith? For the child of God,
great stress can develop great faith – and reveal God’s
great grace.
Vernon C. Grounds

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil. -Mote

WHEN WE FEEL THE STRESS OF THE STORM
WE LEARN THE STRENGTH OF THE ANCHOR.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1998 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.