Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 

— Acts 14:15, NLT 

The Testimony 

The Lord works in behalf of his people. He seeks to break the cruel power that Satan exercises over the children of men; and he would do great things for them if they would submit to his authority instead of choosing the service of Satan. 

Jesus came to earth...and he taught us practically the great lesson of calm, constant, unwavering confidence in our heavenly Father. He permits temptations, trials, and afflictions to come to his loved ones. They are his providences, visitations of mercy to bring them back when they stray from his side, and give them a deeper sense of his presence and providential care. 

The peace that passeth understanding is not for those who shrink from trials, from struggles, and from self-denial. We cannot appreciate peace and joy in Christ, and the gift of eternal life, unless we are willing to make every sacrifice to obtain these great blessings. 

The eye of Jesus is upon us every moment. The clouds which intervene between the soul and the Sun of Righteousness are in the providence of God permitted to arise that our faith may be strengthened to grasp the great hopes, the sure promises, that shine undimmed through the darkness of every storm. Faith must grow through conflict and suffering. 

The path to freedom from sin is through crucifixion of self, and conflict with the powers of darkness... What we want is to have a knowledge of the truth as it is in Christ now, and a personal experience now. In these precious closing hours of probation, we have a deep and living experience to gain. 

Our only safety is in searching the Scriptures and in being much on our knees before God, entreating him to imbue us with his Spirit, that when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall for us lift up a standard against him. 

Jesus, our Advocate, is inviting us to walk with him. He is pleading the case of the tempted, the erring, and the faithless. He is striving to lift them into companionship with himself. It is his work to sanctify his people, to cleanse, ennoble, and purify them, and fill their hearts with peace. 

— The Review and Herald, August 12, 1884 

The Response 

My Lord, I choose to submit to Your authority for Your ways are good and full of mercy. Cleanse me, purify me, and fill my heart with Your peace. Oh Father, break the cruel power of Satan, I crucify self and put my unwavering confidence in You. As I open Your Word, imbue me with Your Spirit. I grasp Your sure promise that when the enemy come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord drives him away. I praise You that through the storm clouds, I have an Advocate that lifts me up into companionship with Yourself!