Hope Doesn't Disappoint
Once upon a time, certain strong laborers were
sent forth by the great King to level a primeval forest, to plow
it, to sow it, and to bring to him the harvest.
They were stout-hearted and strong, and willing enough for labor,
and much they needed all their strength and more.
One stalwart laborer was named Industry--consecrated work was
his.
His brother Patience, with muscles of steel, went with him, and
tired not in the longest days under the heaviest labors.
To help them they had Zeal, clothed with ardent and indomitable
energy.
Side by side there stood his kinsman Self-denial, and his friend
Importunity.
These went forth to their labor, and they took with them, to
cheer their toils, their well-beloved sister Hope; and well it
was they did, for they needed the music of her consolation before
the work was done, for the forest trees were huge and demanded
many sturdy blows of the axe before they would fall upon the
ground.
One by one the giant forest kings were overthrown, but the labor
was immense and incessant.
At night when they went to their rest, the day's work always
seemed so slight, for as they crossed the threshold, Patience,
wiping the sweat from his brow, would be encouraged, and
Self-denial would be strengthened by hearing the sweet voice of
Hope within singing
"God will bless us; God, even our own God, will bless
us."
They felled the lofty trees to the music of that strain; they
cleared the acres one by one, they tore from their sockets the
huge roots, they delved the soil, they sowed the corn and waited
for the harvest, often much discouraged. but they still held to
their work as by silver chains and golden fetters by the sweet
sound for the voice that chanted so constantly,
"God, even our own God, will bless us."
They never could refrain from service, for Hope could never
refrain from song.
They were ashamed to be discouraged, they were shocked to be
despairing, for still the voice rang clearly out at noon and
eventide,
"God will bless us;God , even our own God, will bless
us."
You know the parable, you recognize the voice. May you hear it in
your souls today!