Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 

— James 1:12,14, MEV 

THE TESTIMONY 

There is a remedy for the sin-sick soul, and that remedy is in Jesus. Precious Saviour! 

At the sound of fervent prayer, the hosts of darkness tremble. Fearing that their captive may escape, they form a wall around him, that Heaven’s light may not reach his soul. But if in his distress and helplessness the sinner looks to Jesus, pleading the merits of his blood, our compassionate Redeemer listens to the earnest, persevering prayer of faith, and sends to his deliverance a re-enforcement of angels that excel in strength. And when these angels, all-powerful, clothed with the armory of Heaven, come to the help of the fainting, pursued soul, the angels of darkness fall back, well knowing that their battle is lost, and that one more soul is escaping from the power of their influence. 

Intercede with God to work in you a thorough reformation, that the fruits of the Spirit may dwell in you, and that, by your godly life, you may shine as a light in the world. When you sincerely feel that without the help of God you perish...then will the Lord strengthen you speedily, and you will have that peace that passeth understanding. 

We cannot be too guarded in our words and deportment, lest we invite the enemy to approach us with his temptations. With the word of God for our guide, and Jesus for our heavenly teacher, we need not be ignorant of the divine requirements or of Satan’s devices. And it will be no unpleasant task to be obedient to the will of God, when we yield ourselves fully to be directed by his Spirit. 

Pray in faith. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” Prevailing prayer is the prayer of living faith; it takes God at his word, and claims his promises... The promises are ample; why not accept them just as they read? “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” 

— Signs of the Times, November 18, 1886

THE RESPONSE 

My Lord, in my distress and helplessness I look to Jesus and plead the merits of His blood. Thank You for Your help in the battles of life. Work in me a thorough reformation that the fruits of the Spirit may dwell in me. Your word is my guide. I look to Jesus as my heavenly teacher and yield myself to be directed by Your Spirit. When I am tried, You will give me the crown of life that You promised to those who love You.