|
經文：「祂使我成為磨亮的箭。」（賽49:2） 在美國加里福尼亞州的派司開特羅（Pescadero），有一個著名的「卵石灘」（Pebble Beach） 。灘上的石頭持續受著海濱大浪的衝擊，被猛烈的巨浪捲起，又拋在尖銳的峭壁上受到磨擦。它們日夜遭受這樣的磨練，結果是如何呢？ 全世界的遊客蜂擁至卵石灘採集圓滑美麗的石子。帶回家將它們精心擺設在陳列室，裝飾在房間的壁板上。 但若走到衝破海浪的峭壁尖頂，或到風雨侵蝕不到的海岸凹處，你將看見許多沒有人去收集的卵石。為甚麼這些卵石沒有人要採集呢？唯一的理由就是因為它們沒有經過海浪的衝擊磨擦，平靜的日子使它們變得又粗糙又醜陋；原來光澤是經過苦難磨出來的！ 親愛的讀者，神知道我們適合做那種器皿，祂就將我們磨成那種器皿。祂知道我們要擔任那種工作，祂就照所需要的磨練我們，使我們有充足的預備，我們僅僅需要完全信靠祂就可以了。--選 新譯｜荒漠甘泉讀書會
|
|
◇◇◇
Scripture: "He hath made me a polished shaft" (Isa. 49:2). There is a very famous "Pebble Beach" at Pescadero, on the California coast. The long line of white surf comes up with its everlasting roar, and rattles and thunders among the stones on the shore. They are caught in the arms of the pitiless waves, and tossed and rolled, and rubbed together, and ground against the sharp-grained cliffs. Day and night forever the ceaseless attrition goes on--never any rest. And the result? Tourists from all the world flock thither to gather the round and beautiful stones. They are laid up in cabinets; they ornament the parlor mantels. But go yonder, around the point of the cliff that breaks off the force of the sea; and up in that quiet cove, sheltered from the storms, and lying ever in the sun, you shall find abundance of pebbles that have never been chosen by the traveler. Why are these left all the years through unsought? For the simple reason that they have escaped all the turmoil and attrition of the waves, and the quiet and peace have left them as they found them, rough and angular and devoid of beauty. Polish comes through trouble. Since God knows what niche we are to fill, let us trust Him to shape us to it. Since He knows what work we are to do, let us trust Him to drill us to the proper preparation. ｜ Mrs. Charles Cowman
|