Surely, Here Is Ground For Hope: The Work of God

I know well that I live in a world full of trials. 

• I am yet in the wilderness; I am not at home. 

I know well that pride, and unbelief, and sloth are continually struggling for the mastery within me. 

• I have fightings without and fears within. 

I doubt not my heart is so treacherous and deceitful... 

• that I am often sick of myself and say, 
• “Never was heart like mine.” 

But notwithstanding all this. I must hope well for my soul.

I hope, because I believe that God has begun a work in me... 

• which He will never allow to be overthrown. 

Who taught me to hate sin and love Christ? 

• Who made me come out from the world and delight in God’s service? 
• These things do not come from my own heart. 
• Nature bears no such fruit. 

These things are the work of God, 

• who where He begins, always finishes; 
• who where He gives grace, will also give glory. 

Surely, here is ground for hope.

Adapted Excerpt From

Startling Questions

J. C. Ryle