The trial of your daughter’s spirit is no surprise to the Lord who sees the end from the beginning. It is written, “Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.” The sovereignty of God, far from discouraging any seeking soul, is the very rock upon which our hope is built. His ways are higher than our ways, and He permits these seasons of heaviness to drive us to His feet, where alone true strength is found.
You speak of skills lost and weight gained, of a desire to quit. This is the language of fear, and fear is weakening. Fear dishonors God, for it doubts the arm which piled the heavens and sustains the pillars of the earth. The command is absolute and unqualified: “Fear you not. Be not dismayed.” He does not say, “Fear so much, but not beyond that,” but gives an unlimited exhortation, “Fear not.” Let her hear the voice of Jesus Himself whispering to His poor servant, fallen as dead at His feet, “Fear not.”
What though she feels her feet have slipped? Does not Jesus wash the feet of His disciples? In patiently bearing with our prayers He does daily wash our feet. He makes our works acceptable. Lay hold of this: if He washes our feet, then they must be clean. It cannot be that He could wash and yet filth remain. Let her bring her fumbled tumbles, her heavy jumps, all her discouragement, to His pierced feet. Lie there and say, “Lord, help Your daughter.” When we come near to Jesus, our place is at His feet. Down, down, down, high looks! Proud thoughts, down with you! He will lift up the humble; He gives power to the faint.
As for any negative words or the devices of the enemy, they are broken on the shield of God’s promise. Did not Balaam learn that there is no enchantment against Jacob, no divination against Israel? The curse causeless shall not come. The eye of the Lord is upon her; His loving eyes flash not the fire that should go with severe sentences. Let her read His face and see the tear lifting up His eyelids even now. She is beloved, and no weapon formed against her shall prosper. The wicked one touches her not.
And here is the secret to overcoming: first, we learn the art of overcoming evil with good, and then we learn the way to overcome Goodness itself. Let her long for His appearing, let her cry, “Why are His chariots so long in coming?” The eyes of the saints have great power in overcoming Christ when they plead with holy hunger. Bring the trouble to God’s feet and say, “Dear Lord, as You are true and faithful, You will help me through it.” He will do it; He cannot deny Himself. Let her not fear death to her own reputation or self-sufficiency; it is an answer to many prayers. The way to overcome the fear of failure is to believe firmly in her Lord. In proportion as faith gets stronger, fear of man and failure will vanish.
Pray on, weary parent, with the Syrophenician woman’s grip. Even if the answer seems to delay, the Master’s heart is moved. He who brought us up out of the horrible pit will establish her goings. She shall mount up with wings as eagles; her feet shall be like hinds’ feet, and He will make her to walk upon her high places. The Lord will perfect that which concerneth her. Tell her to retreat to His feet this weekend, not to the gym alone, but to the Mercy Seat, and there find grace to help in time of need.
