Children of the Risen God: It is our Choice
Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isaiah 43:1.
Often our trials are such that they seem almost unbearable, and without help from God they are indeed unbearable. Unless we rely upon Him we shall sink under the burden of responsibilities that bring only sadness and grief. But if we make Christ our dependence, we shall not sink under trial. When all seems dark and unexplainable we are to trust in His love; we must repeat the words that Christ has spoken to our souls, “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” ...
Do not go about as if Jesus were in Joseph's tomb, and a great stone were rolled before the door.... In the trial of your faith show that you know you have a risen Saviour, One who is making intercession for you and your loved ones....
The Bible places the responsibility of our happiness upon ourselves. We are to look to the light of life. Our usefulness depends on our own course of action [a choice].
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895) 33, 1895