Prayer and Promises
Insight from Ellen G. White
Help In Difficulty
THE PROMISE
THE TESTIMONY
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” These words are for you. When you are in perplexity, go right to the word of God. Read about Christ, His character, His work; and do as He would were He in your place. Christ could not, in word or practice, testify to wrong; for He is truth itself.
Do not depend upon human beings for spiritual help. Resist the temptation to make flesh your arm. Look to God as children look to an earthly Father. Believe that He loves you and that He will help you, even as He has promised. If you will believe, you will have confidence, trust, reliance, and rich blessings, because you will realize that Christ is the foundation of your faith.
When you get discouraged, do not depend upon human beings for aid. Christ declares, The comforter shall be with you. Go right to God in prayer. Bow before Him, saying, “Lord, help me; for I am in difficulty, and I do not know what to do. You have promised to give your children what they ask in your name. We ask for strength to resist the temptations of the enemy.”
Thus you will obtain a most valuable experience. As you follow on to know the Lord, you will know that His goings forth are prepared as the morning. And when you receive help and comfort, sing to the praise of God. Talk with God. Thus you will become a friend of God. You will rely on Him. You will obtain a faith that will trust whether you feel like trusting or not. Remember that feeling is not an evidence that you are a Christian. Implicit faith in God shows that you are His child. Trust in God. He will never disappoint you. He says, “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me; because I live, ye shall live also.” We do not see Christ in person. It is by faith that we behold Him. Our faith grasps His promises.
— The Gospel Herald, March 1, 1901
THE RESPONSE
When you are in perplexity, go right to the word of God. Read about Christ and do as He would were He in your place.
Look to God as children look to an earthly Father. Believe that He loves you and will help you just as He promised.
Bow before God saying, “Lord, help me; for I am in difficulty, and I do not know what to do. You have promised to give your children what they ask in your name. I ask for strength to resist the temptations of the enemy.”
When you receive help and comfort, sing to the praise of God. Talk with God and become a friend of God.