In the Hour of Trial
Hebrews 2:14-15; 18
Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
In the Hour of Trial LBW 106
In the hour of trial, Jesus, plead for me, lest by base denial I depart from thee.
When thou seest me waver, with a look recall; nor from fear or favor suffer me to fall.
With forbidden pleasures should this vain world charm, or its sordid treasures spread to work me harm,
bring to my remembrance sad Gethsemane, or, in darker semblance, cross-crowned Calvary.
Should thy mercy send me sorrow, toil, and woe, or should pain attend me on my path below,
grant that I may never fail thy hand to see; grant that I may ever cast my care on thee.
Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854
James Montgomery lived a hard life. His parents, missionaries, died when he was only 12. He suffered from a learning disability that forced him to leave school because he was unable to finish assignments on time. He began working at bakeries in London as an apprentice, but failed at that as well. Writing poetry in his spare time, he eventually entered the newspaper business hoping to sell some of his poetry, but the owner of the paper that hired him was caught embezzling funds, and fled the country leaving his 23 year old apprentice to hold the fort. The first article Montgomery published about the fall of the Bastille in revolutionary France, got him labeled a seditious troublemaker and he was fined and thrown in jail. After his release, he returned to his adopted trade and through perseverance, became one of the leading voices of the press in England. He was soon enlisted by John Wilberforce and John Newton as a kindred spirit, and worked with them to outlaw slavery. It is for this that he is still remembered.
In the twilight of his years, reflecting on the downs and ups of his life, he was reading the Bible and was inspired to write a final poem, later set to music. The passage that inspired him was this: “I have prayed for you Simon, that your faith may not fail” Luke 22:32.
Prayer: Pray for us, Lord that our faith may not fail. Through every trial and difficulty, help us know that you stand with us, and go before us. Amen.