Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE  

“But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 

— Luke 22:32, HCSB

THE TESTIMONY  

Just before Peter’s fall, Christ said to him, “Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” 

How true was the Saviour’s friendship for Peter! how compassionate his warning! But the warning was resented. In self-sufficiency Peter declared confidently that he would never do what Christ had warned him against. 

Many today stand where Peter stood when in self-confidence he declared that he would not deny his Lord. And because of their self-sufficiency, they fall an easy prey to Satan’s devices. Those who realize their weakness trust in a power higher than self. And while they look to God, Satan has no power over them. But those who trust in self are easily defeated. Let us remember that if we do not heed the cautions that God gives us, a fall is before us. Christ...does not impart power to those who reject his guidance. The self-sufficient one, who acts as if he knew more than his Lord, is allowed to go on in his supposed strength. 

The Christian...should be barricaded by the assurance that the Scriptures give to those who are doing God’s will. The tempted soul will bear away the victory if he follows the example of him who met the tempter with the words, “It is written.” He can stand securely in the protection of a “Thus saith the Lord.” 

There are some lessons that are...learned only through failure. Peter was a better man after his fall. The Lord permits his children to fall; and then, if they repent of their wrongdoing, he helps them to stand on vantage ground. As fire purifies gold, so Christ purifies his people by temptation and trial. If the heart has not been hardened by a disregard of great light, the temptation and fall will bring repentance. Humble, fervent prayer will save the soul from death, and confession and restitution will hide a multitude of sins. 

— The Review and Herald, December 16, 1902  

THE RESPONSE  

Realize your weakness and trust in a power higher than yourself. Look to God and heed the cautions He gives. 

Barricade yourself with the assurances given in Scripture to those who do God’s will. Stand securely in the protection of a “Thus says the Lord.” 

Follow the example of Christ who met the tempter with the words, “It is written.”

Repent of wrongdoing, seek Christ’s help to stand on vantage ground. Humbly and fervently pray, confession and restitution hides a multitude of sins.