There are some truths a believer knows with absolute certainty. For instance, he knows that God sits at the helm of the ship, especially when it rocks most violently. He believes that an invisible hand always grips the world's tiller, and that wherever providence may drift, Jehovah steers it.

That rock-solid knowledge prepares him for everything. When he looks out over the raging waters, he sees the Spirit of Jesus treading the billows, and he hears a voice saying, "It is I. Don't be afraid." He knows too that God is always wise. And knowing this, he is confident that there are no accidents, no mistakes—nothing can happen that ought not to arise. He can say from the heart, "If I should lose everything I have, it is better that I lose it than keep it, if God so wills. The worst calamity is the wisest and kindest thing that could befall me if God ordains it."

"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God." The Christian doesn't merely hold this as a theory—he knows it as a matter of fact. Everything has worked for good so far. The poisonous drugs mixed in perfect proportions have worked the cure. The sharp cuts of the lancet have cleansed out the proud flesh and hastened the healing. Every single event has produced the most divinely blessed results.

And so, believing that God rules all, that he governs wisely, that he brings good out of evil, the believer's heart is assured. He can calmly face each trial as it comes. With genuine resignation, the believer can pray: "Send me whatever you will, my God, as long as it comes from your hand. Never has an ill portion come from your table to any of your children."

Say not, my soul, "From whence can God relieve my care?" Remember—Omnipotence has servants everywhere. His method is sublime, his heart profoundly kind. God never is before his time, and never is behind.