He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matt. 5:45.

Does God regard all men the same? Does He treat all men the same whether they obey Him or not? Does not God render to every man according as his works shall be? Has not God so ordered the universe and the world we live in so as to bless the good and punish the wicked?

To be sure, God loves all men the same, whether they are obedient or disobedient. We parents feel that way toward our children. But the consequences are different with different people. If we live in sin, though God loves us, His love loses its transforming influence and power because we refuse to let that love possess us. If we choose Christ and His righteousness, if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all these things shall be ours, as well. All the blessings of God have access to us. All His love, mercy, and forgiveness minister to us. These things can get through to all men; that is God's intention. But whether they do or not depends on our attitude and response.

If we open our hearts to His love He will save us from anxiety and fear. If we refuse His love our anxiety will increase. If we accept God as our heavenly Father, then we receive the benefits of children. But if we choose to rebel, then God will not force upon us either His presence or His love. If we go the way of the prodigal, then we separate ourselves from the Father-child relationship and from the blessings that come to us in such a relationship.

God is ever seeking us, knocking at the door of our heart. He ever seeks to awaken trust in us, a confidence that makes it easy for Him to pour His blessings upon us.

Adversity should not cause us to change our mind about God. ()n the contrary, we are increasingly more sure of Him. Every situation and experience draws us nearer to our Lord. We have such trust in Him that we need not trust in riches, in position, in popularity, or even in good health. Such trust in Him is the antidote for all our care, fear, grief, or loss of everything. "All things work together for good to them that love God" (Rom. 8:28).