(L)Before...
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Before George Matheson graduated from theological school, he learned from specialists that he would soon lose his sight. He felt compelled to break off the relationship with the beautiful young woman who was to have become his wife. Years later he wrote the great hymn which says, "O Love that wilt not let me go ... I trace the rainbow through the rain, and feel the promise is not vain that morn shall tearless be."
At first, Matheson prayed that his blindness would be removed. But, after years of rare achievement as a pastor and a writer, he actually gave thanks for his handicap. He wrote:
My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn. I have thanked Thee for my roses, but not once for my thorn. I have been looking forward to a world where I shall get compensation for my cross, but I have never thought of the cross itself as a present glory. Teach me the glory of my cross. Teach me the value of my thorn. Show me that I have climbed to Thee by the path of pain. Show me that my tears have made my rainbow.
Matheson had conquered the debilitating effects of his infirmity. He was more than a conqueror because he actually used the infirmity in a positive way through his service to God and people.
-- Randolph
Before George Matheson graduated from theological school, he learned from specialists that he would soon lose his sight. He felt compelled to break off the relationship with the beautiful young woman who was to have become his wife. Years later he wrote the great hymn which says, "O Love that wilt not let me go ... I trace the rainbow through the rain, and feel the promise is not vain that morn shall tearless be."
At first, Matheson prayed that his blindness would be removed. But, after years of rare achievement as a pastor and a writer, he actually gave thanks for his handicap. He wrote:
My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn. I have thanked Thee for my roses, but not once for my thorn. I have been looking forward to a world where I shall get compensation for my cross, but I have never thought of the cross itself as a present glory. Teach me the glory of my cross. Teach me the value of my thorn. Show me that I have climbed to Thee by the path of pain. Show me that my tears have made my rainbow.
Matheson had conquered the debilitating effects of his infirmity. He was more than a conqueror because he actually used the infirmity in a positive way through his service to God and people.
-- Randolph
