A few years ago, one of my favorite authors recommended a short devotional book entitled, Daily Strength for Daily Needs by Mary Wilder Tolstoy. This little book is a classic day by day collection of vignettes from saints gone home who understood human nature and the nature of God, and with few words share their experiences with God. Whether talking about suffering, or the supernatural gifts received from knowing God, each vignette rings of eternal truths calling me to continued faithfulness.

I think the book would be a comfort to close any day. But if added to your morning quiet time routine could serve as a reminder of those gone before. Some of the authors are familiar, and some are not. And as you read their thoughts, curiosity may take you on a trail of research of these saints gone home before us. More books with insight from these authors has enriched my life beyond this little devotional book. And maybe the same will happen to you.

This is a sample of a day in the book.

Let Him do to me as seemeth good unto Him.—2 SAM. xv. 26.

To have, each day, the thing I wish,
Lord, that seems best to me;
But not to have the thing I wish,
Lord, that seems best to Thee.
Most truly, then, Thy will is done,When mine, O Lord, is crossed;
It is good to see my plans o’erthrown,
My ways in Thine all lost.
H. BONAR.

O Lord, Thou knowest what is best for us; let this or that be done, as Thou shalt please. Give what Thou wilt, and how much Thou wilt, and when Thou wilt. Deal with me as Thou thinkest good. Set me where Thou wilt, and deal with me in all things just as Thou wilt. Behold, I am Thy servant, prepared for all things: for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto Thee; and oh, that I could do it worthily and perfectly!

THOMAS À KEMPIS.

Dare to look up to God, and say, “Make use of me for the future as Thou wilt. I am of the same mind; I am one with Thee. I refuse nothing which seems good to Thee. Lead me whither Thou wilt, clothe me in whatever dress Thou wilt. Is it Thy will that I should be in a public or a private condition, dwell here, or be banished, be poor or rich? Under all these circumstances, I will testify unto Thee before men.”

EPICTETUS

©Valerie Rumfelt

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