Dying Daily

As dying, and behold, we live.

2 Corinthians 6: 9

To one who asked him the secret of service, Mr. George Muller replied: “There was a day when I died, utterly died to George Muller;” and as he spoke, he bent lower and lower until he almost touched the floor – “to his opinions, preferences, tastes and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame of even my brethren and friends. Since then I have studied to show myself approved only unto God.”

Look at that splendid oak! Where was it born? In a grave. The acorn was put into the ground and in the grave it sprouted and sent up shoots. And was it only one day that it stood in the grave? No: every day for a hundred years it has stood there, and in that place of death it has found life. “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.”

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

• from Springs in the Valley (1968) by Cowman Publications, Inc.