Prayer and Promises

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? — Romans 8:32, NASB

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you...” Christ knows that it is not possible for us to resist Satan’s temptations in our own strength. We can do this only by receiving divine help. In our own strength we should surely fail. Provision has been made that in every emergency and trial we may flee to the stronghold. When in faith we ask for help, it will be given us. We have the assurance of this from lips that can not lie. His word is Yea and Amen. 

Then let every weary, burdened soul ask, and he shall receive. Will not He who gave His beloved Son to die for us give us help in time of need? Let us not dishonor God by unbelief. Let us take Him at His word, remembering His promise. The blessing is ours if we grasp it by faith. 

We must comply with the conditions laid down in God’s Word. We must grasp in confidence the rich promises of God; then we shall be overcomers. 

“Ye have not chosen Me,” Christ declares, “but I have chosen you, and ordained you...” Before we loved God, He loved us. Before we turned toward Him, His grace was making its impression on our hearts. He has bought us with a price, “the precious blood of Christ...” and He desires us to walk before Him in holiness, bearing fruit to His glory. 

God permits a crisis to come now and then, that His children may go to Him. He sees and knows all things. He desires them to feel their helplessness, and to plead with Him, casting their helpless souls upon Him. Then they are ready to be taught. “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” In the Saviour’s presence God’s people will have no fear of evil. The ever-varying perplexities, the abrupt and unexpected changes, of this age will not baffle or discourage them, but will give them fortitude and courage, bracing them for labor. 

O, what a world of promises we have in the Word of God! To all who seek Him at the footstool of mercy Christ gives power to witness for Him. He has placed Himself under obligation never to disappoint a true seeker for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. 

— Sign of the Times, September 5, 1900 

Heavenly Father, thank you that You did not spare Your own Son but delivered Him up for me. I am weak and unable to resist temptation in my own strength. You are my stronghold and in faith I ask for Your divine help. Through the mercy of Christ I cast my helpless soul on You and seek to be taught by You. I grasp the promise by faith that You have chosen me and ordained me by Your precious blood that I may bear fruit to Your glory. I praise You for the guidance of the Holy Spirit that I may bear witness to Your honor and glory!