F.B. Meyer's Testimony of the Exchanged Life

F.B. Meyer's testimony from The Blessed Life of how he entered into the exchanged life through the testimony of Stanley Smith and C.T. Studd--he an older man humbly learning from these two younger men--serves as a pointer to this life. Not that we should attempt to imitate their exact steps but instead follow their example of faith (Hebrews 13:7). In the light that was given them by God we see light (cp., Psalm 36:9).

The visit of Messrs. Stanley Smith and Studd to Melbourne Hall will always mark an epoch in my own life. Before then my Christian life had been spasmodic and fitful, now flaming up with enthusiasm, and then pacing weariedly over leagues of grey ashes and cold cinders. I saw that these young men had something which I had not, but which was within them a constant source of rest and strength and joy. At seven a.m. on that grey November morning, daylight flickered into the bedroom, paling the guttered candles which from a very early hour had been lighting up the page of Scripture, and revealed the figures of the devoted Bible students who wore the old cricketing or boating costume of earlier days to render them less sensible of the raw, damp climate. The talk we held then was one of the formative influences of my life. Why should I not yield my whole nature to God, working out day by day that which He would will and work within? Why should not I be a vessel, though only of earthenware, meet for the Master’s use, because purged and sanctified?

There was nothing new in what they told me. They said that a man must not only believe in Christ for final salvation, but must trust Him for victory over every sin and for deliverance from every care. They said that the Lord Jesus was willing to abide in the heart which was wholly yielded up to Him. They said that if there were some things in our lives that made it difficult for us to surrender our whole nature to Christ, yet if we were willing to be made willing to surrender them, He would make us not only willing but glad. They said that as soon as we give or attempt to give ourselves to Him, He takes us. All this was simple enough; I could have said it myself. But they urged me to take the definite step and I shall be forever thankful that they did.

Very memorable was the night when I came to close quarters with God. The Angel that wrestled with Jacob had found me, eager to make me a prince. There were things in my heart and life which I felt were questionable, if not worse. I knew that God had a controversy with respect to them. I saw that my very dislike to probe or touch them was a clear indication that there was mischief lurking beneath. It is the diseased joint that shrinks from the touch, the tender eye that shudders at the light. At the same time, I did not feel willing to give these things up. It was a long struggle. At last I said feebly, “Lord, I am willing to be made willing. I am desirous that Thy will should be done in me and through me as thoroughly as it is done in heaven. Come and take me and break me and make me.”

That was the hour of crisis; and when it had passed, I felt able at once to add, “And now I give myself to Thee: body, soul and spirit; in sorrow or in joy; in the dark or in the light; in life or in death; to be Thine only, wholly, and forever. Make the most of me that can be made for Thy glory.”

No rapture or rush of joy came to assure me that the gift was accepted. I left the place with almost a heavy heart. I simply assured myself that He must have taken that which I had given, and at the moment of my giving it. And to that belief I clung in all the days that followed, constantly repeating to myself the words, “I am His.” And thus at last the joy and rest, victory and freedom from burdening care, entered my heart, and I found that He was moulding my will and making it easy to do what I thought impossible. I felt that He was leading me into the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake, but so gently as to be almost imperceptible to my weak sight.