Why do things happen to us?

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Permalink Reply by Tammy on May 14, 2013 at 7:18am

PRAYING PAYSON
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

Dr. Edward Payson, known as "Praying Payson," was a pastor in Portland, Maine,
nearly 200 years ago. In 1806, just a few years after the Declaration of
Independence, America was devastated by a severe depression. It was a dark
period and Dr. Payson vividly recorded the tragedy in his area. He wrote:

"Business has stagnated, many are failing. Hundreds . . . have been thrown out
of employment, and they are destitute. I tremble for my poor country. I fear
our sins have helped call down judgment upon us. Some of our wonderful young
converts have lost their all, and had their homes stripped away; but it does my
heart good to see them cheerful and quiet under it all. Others, who have no God,
have lost their reason, they worry incessantly, and are apparently dying of a
broken heart."

Dr. Payson and his congregation suffered the spoiling of all their goods. Dr.
Payson himself lived on pennies during those hard times. On December 28, 1807,
in a letter to his mother, he wrote:

"Conditions worsen. A large number of the wealthy merchants live in poverty
now. Businesses are failing daily. The poorhouse is already full, and hundreds
are yet to be provided for. Many who have been brought up in affluence are now
dependent on others for daily food.

"Perhaps, Mother, you will grieve for me and say, ‘Poor Edward!’ But you
never had more reason to rejoice on my behalf, and cry, ‘Rich Edward!’ than
now. Blessed be God, my faith does not stand on such tottering foundations as to
be shaken by these commotions. God keeps me quiet, resigned, and even happy in
all these troubles. I do not mean I don't feel pain—I do. All my worldly
hopes are destroyed. In these circumstances it is impossible not to feel pain.
I thought I knew before that this world is treacherous, and its enjoyments but
for a moment; but these hard times have taught me to wean myself from creature
things and pursue the things of God. It is my prayer, that if God has any
worldly blessings in store for me, He would be pleased to give me His grace
instead."

Edward Payson had quit trying to run the race of life on his own (see Hebrews
12:1). He could take joyfully the stripping away of all he possessed, because
he was in this world but not of it.

”My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in
weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the
power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

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Permalink Reply by a servant (Chris) on May 14, 2013 at 10:45am

Tammy

I can think of no better story to share.  These have been the things God has tried to teach me, for so very long.  I think I get close, only to see more have need to die to.  This story has truly Blessed me, Thank you my Dear Sister.

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