Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God has chosen you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

— 2 Thessalonians 2:13, CSB 

The Testimony 

It is through the sanctification of the Spirit and the belief of the truth, that we become laborers together with God. God waits for the co-operation of his church... The blood of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the divine Word, are ours. The object of all this provision of heaven is before us; and it depends upon us to lay hold of the promises God has given, and become laborers together with him. 

The mind is to be disciplined, educated, trained; for we are to do service for God in ways that are not in harmony with inborn inclination. There are hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil that must be overcome. Our hearts must be educated to become steadfast in God. We are to form habits of thought that will enable us to resist temptation. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right, the children of God are to seal their destiny. 

With all our sins and weaknesses, we are not cast aside as worthless. “He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.” The glory that rested upon Christ is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer,—how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our petitions find acceptance in the courts of heaven. By sin, earth was cut off from heaven, and alienated from its communion; but Jesus has connected it again with the sphere of glory. His love has encircled man, and reached the highest heaven. The light which fell from the open portals upon the head of our Saviour, will fall upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation. The voice which spoke to Jesus says to every believing soul, “This is my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.” 

It is our privilege to draw nigh to God, to breathe in the atmosphere of his presence. If we keep ourselves in close union with the common, cheap, sensual things of this earth, Satan will interpose his shadow, so that we shall fail to discern the blessedness of the promises and assurances of God, and so shall fail to be strengthened to attain to a high spiritual standard. Nothing short of abiding in the presence of Christ will bring peace, freedom, courage, and power. 

— The Review and Herald, October 15, 1908 

The Response 

Lay hold of the promises God has given and become a laborer together with Him. Labor with God through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. 

Discipline and train your mind to serve God and overcome tendencies to evil. Educate your heart to become steadfast in God. 

Pray for help to resist temptation and the light which fell upon the head of our Saviour will fall upon you. 

Draw near to God and breathe in the atmosphere of His presence. Keep yourself in close union by the blessedness of the promises and assurances of God.