Grace for Today's Duty

Dr. James Russell Miller (1840-1912), pastor to the troops during the Civil War and author of over 80 books, addresses the issue of wading through the waters of life. Miller says, "God does not open paths for us in advance of our coming. He does not promise help before help is needed. He does not remove obstacles out of our way before we reach them. Yet when we are on the edge of our need, God's hand is stretched out. Many people forget this, and are forever worrying about difficulties which they foresee in the future. They expect that God is going to make the way plain and open before them, miles and miles ahead; whereas He has promised to do it only step by step as they may need. You must get to the waters and into their floods before you can claim the promise. Many people dread death, and lament that they have not "dying grace." Of course, they will not have dying grace when they are in good health, in the midst of life's duties, with death far in advance. Why should they have it then? Grace for duty is what they need then, living grace; then dying grace when they come to die." Isaiah 43: 2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you...."

Upon reading this passage recently I found myself needing some 'grace for today's duty'. I serve the living Lord and He is strong and sure. He is the provider of supernatural energy. He is the God of supernatural grace to stand firm. He is the lifter of my head. Yes! He provides grace for my duties.

The writings of J. R. Miller are insightful, living on through his books. The Civil War troops who were ministered to by Dr. Miller must have been as inspired as I found myself.