When all is prosperous and the progress of the gospel is remarkable, even the world is impressed; the work is easy and in spite of difficulties and opposition, man is bold and persevering. But when others, Christians even, forsake the laborer, when evil and the deceptions of the enemy come in, when love has grown cold and, because one is faithful, prudence takes alarm, desiring a less forward walk to then stand firm, to persevere in the work and to maintain one’s courage is not an easy thing. We must possess Christianity with God so that we know why we stand. We must ourselves be in communion with Him in order to have the strength necessary to continue laboring in His name, having the sustainment of grace at all times.
J. N. Darby