Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.

— 2 Corinthians 3:4,5, NLT 

THE TESTIMONY 

Christ has said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” It is useless to think that we can do anything unless Christ is abiding in our hearts. 

We must have much less self-confidence and much more of Jesus. We want now to place ourselves in right relation with Jesus; let self be sunk out of sight in Christ, who is acquainted with every heart, who can impress the workers with the right plans of labor, and also impress the hearts of those for whom we labor, [by] which we can reach these precious souls. 

The Lord would do great things for the workers, but their hearts are not humble. Should the Lord work in them, they would become lifted up, filled with self-esteem, and would demerit their brethren. God would have us elevated. We are free to talk of our difficulties and troubles, but when it comes to pouring out our hearts to God in earnest prayer, in gratitude and praise, how little there is of this! 

This is a great work, brethren and sisters, and we should humble ourselves daily before God, and not feel that our wisdom is perfect. We should take hold of the work with earnestness. 

We should not pray for God to humble us; for when God takes hold of us, he will humble us in a way that we would not enjoy. But we must day by day humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God... While it is God that works in us to will and to do of his own good pleasure, we are to co-operate with him while he works through us. 

But you will say, How am I to know that Christ is in my heart? If, when you are criticized or corrected in your way, and things do not go just as you think they ought to go,—if then you let your passion arise instead of bearing the correction and being patient and kind, Christ is not abiding in the heart. 

Let us...show our humility by kindness, courteousness, and forbearance. 

— The Review and Herald, July 12, 1887 

THE RESPONSE 

Have less confidence in self and more confidence in Jesus. Sink self out of sight. 

Humbly pour out your heart to God in earnest prayer, in gratitude and praise.  

Do not pray for God to humble you because He will humble you in a way that you will not enjoy.

Day by day humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. Pray that He will work in you to will and to do of His good pleasure.