THE ROBINSONS went to Detroit, Michigan, to assume their ministerial duties on the first of September, 1905. Not only did they have charge of the congregation in that city but also of one in Toledo, Ohio, which necessitated much traveling between the two cities. Faithfully and acceptably they ministered to the flock over which they had been made the overseers. Mr. Robinson was primarily a preacher and quite an excellent one, while his wife was essentially a teacher. Thus their ministries complemented each other.
An old notebook contains the outlines of some Bible lessons which Mrs. Robinson taught at this time. For example, on November 19 she began to teach a series of lessons on the subject, “The First Principles of the Doctrine of Christ,” beginning with “Repentance,” followed the next Lord’s Day by one on “Faith.
The same notebook gives evidence of diligent, personal Bible study at this time, especially on such subjects as “Of the Spirit” and its counterpart, “Of the Flesh.” These topical studies are quite detailed, covering quite a bit of the teaching in the Epistles on these themes. Under her study, “Of the Spirit,” is a list of the fourteen characteristics of love as enumerated in First Corinthians Thirteen. Doubtless this was closely connected with her present spiritual experience.
As a result of a number of circumstances, the Lord had awakened Mrs. Robinson to the fact that she was not “perfect in love.” He allowed a number of “outrageously mean things” to be done to her. Personal insults were heaped upon her head. Misrepresented and misjudged, she was, in addition to this, often blamed for doing well. The gross injustice of her trials weighed heavily upon her
Her first reaction was the natural one — rebellion followed by increasing bitterness, coupled with the temptation to retaliation. Soon she realized that she could either overcome or be overcome by this untoward condition. In desperation she said to the Lord, “You know, Lord, I can be either a shrew or a doormat.” Convicted of the difference between her attitudes and the standard of love plainly set forth in the Word of God and desiring to obey God no matter what the test, she solemnly consecrated to be a doormat for others to walk on — “anybody treat me anyway, and I love them.”
To live like this she realized she needed an abundant supply of the grace of God, something she saw was plainly lacking. To get this sufficient grace she knew she must go boldly to the throne of grace. This she did, determining that her spiritual need would be met as her physical need had been years before. Earnestly and methodically she began to pray to be made perfect in love.
Life in Detroit was a busy one. In addition to her duties in the home, she shared with her husband the work of the ministry with its services and visitation work, together with all the preparation which these various duties required. (Traveling to and from Toledo alone would take a large portion of their time.)
In spite of all this heavy schedule, resolutely Mrs. Robinson added to it by setting aside two hours of each day for prayer about her need of love. She would have full victory in her life. She took the Love Chapter, First Corinthians Thirteen, and specifically prayed over each individual phrase and clause. Weighed in these balances she found herself wanting. Clearly she saw that she was exercising flesh if and when she did not live that chapter, no matter what other people did. By it she saw that God was expecting her to go out joyfully to love others, “everybody without exception.” As she continued to pray, the Holy Spirit caused her to despise the workings of the flesh which that chapter revealed were in her, and she purposed to put her foot down on everything in her life — each thought, act, word, look, feeling — which was contrary to what was enjoined in that chapter. She saw, too, that she was to suffer in silence, for to want others to know if she did not feel well was “real shallow.” And this longsuffering — “not minding” must be with joyfulness.
Day after day she prayed. The days became weeks. The weeks lengthened into a month. One month into two months. And still she continued, day after day. The trials did not abate. If anything, the fire grew hotter and burned more fiercely. She was, however, learning her lessons and God was giving her the victory. And a light began to dawn which increased in brilliance: It must be the very life of the Son of God in me that will enable me to live out this chapter in my daily life.
“Two hours a day for three months I prayed for love,” she told a friend in later years. Then with a smile and a twinkle in her deep brown eyes, she added, “That shows how bad off I was!
At the end of the three months, however, she had prayed through her consecration to be a doormat for others to walk on. Henceforth, no matter what anyone else did, she could and did live a life of perfect love, even under the most provoking circumstances. The answer was worth far more than the effort.
Her consecration was to be tested again and again in the months and years ahead. And many times the Lord allowed her to be what she had consecrated to be — a doormat. But the life of the indwelling Son of God made it possible for her to be just that and to be it without murmuring or complaining, but joyfully.
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Martha Wing Robinson (1874 - 1936)
Martha held meetings which touched people to return to the work of the service of God. The Robinsons opened a "Faith Home" where people would come for teaching and prayer. Like George Muller they depended on God to provide what was needed for expenses. Thousands came through her home and healings were a regular occurrence. Her husband died in April of 1916, but Martha continued in her ministry. She had a very sharp gift of discernment and regularly told people the secrets of their hearts. She often had directive prophetic words for those under her care. Many young people came to the home for training and went into the mission fields and evangelistic endeavours.Martha Wing Robinson died June 26, 1936. Shortly before she died she stated her life's message "Nothing matters but Christ Jesus." Her whole life was spent in the service of God and for the Glory of His Son Jesus. She had seen many healed, saved, delivered, empowered and sent out. She was truly a mother in Israel. In 1962 Gordon P. Gardiner wrote a book about her life called "Radiant Glory" because that is how she lived her life.