DAILY?READINGS: Num. 26:52 to 27:23; Prov. 23:12-35; Luke 1:57-80
And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. Exodus 1:14
This verse seems hard. Suffering is difficult. But there is something deeper here. God is at work. Suppose a people would soon become pioneers and create a new nation. What essential skills would they need? The abililty to put a roof over their head? Food on their table? Construction. Agriculture. Although we do not question the harshness of what the Israelites were suffering, their experiences were working together for good, because God had a purpose for them. How comforting to know amidst our trials that God has a purpose for us and He is creating in us the ability to fulfill it. —S. McEachern
Bless me in every task, O Lord, begun, continued, done for Thee;
Fulfill Thy perfect work in me; and Thine abounding grace afford.
—William T. Matson