"Farther Along"---Great Hymn of the Faith

I recently told a close friend that turning 70 was a very revealing time for me. I described the event as like climbing a mountain and stopping to take a glance toward the valley below. My life was pictured in the valley and I was struck by how remarkably short it was. In addition, I saw that I was not nearly as important as I thought I was. (Please Note: All of us are important to other people and God Almighty who thought we were important enough to send His Son Jesus to die for us!) 


While I no longer struggle with Passion, I still struggle with Pride. Turning 70, let a whole lot of hot air out of my Pride ballon! Each of us face innumerable trials and temptations and some day we will know all about it.


The wonderful, always appropriate, gospel hymn by W. B. Stevens says so very well what I am attempting to say:


                            FARTHER ALONG

1. Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder
   Why it should be thus all the day long;
   While there are others living about us,
   Never molested, though in the wrong.
   • Refrain:
     Farther along we’ll know more about it,
     Farther along we’ll understand why;
     Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
     We’ll understand it all by and by.
2. Sometimes I wonder why I must suffer,
   Go in the rain, the cold, and the snow,
   When there are many living in comfort,
   Giving no heed to all I can do.
3. Tempted and tried, how often we question
   Why we must suffer year after year,
   Being accused by those of our loved ones,
   E’en though we’ve walked in God’s holy fear.
4. Often when death has taken our loved ones,
   Leaving our home so lone and so drear,
   Then do we wonder why others prosper,
   Living so wicked year after year.
5. “Faithful till death,” saith our loving Master;
   Short is our time to labor and wait;
   Then will our toiling seem to be nothing,
   When we shall pass the heavenly gate.
6. Soon we will see our dear, loving Savior,
   Hear the last trumpet sound through the sky;
   Then we will meet those gone on before us,
   Then we shall know and understand why.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU & MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA