Prayer and Promises

In your field of labor, you may be surrounded by unfavorable circumstances; but the Lord knows all about this, and he will supply your lack by his own Holy Spirit… You need to realize the importance of becoming acquainted with God in prayer. When you have the assurance that he hears you, you will be cheerful in tribulation; you will rise above despondency, because you experience the quickening influence of the power of God in your hearts. 

My brethren, when you speak to others, and they reply in a way that is not pleasant, do not allow yourselves to be aroused. Remember that Jesus was met in the same way. His precious words of truth were met with scorn. But did he cease his work because of this?—No; he would continue his work until he had gathered about him a multitude of hearers. The Saviour would have us study our words and actions, and follow his example. Let us not, when we meet with insults and taunts, take up these things, and try to answer them. Let us rather go right on as though they had not been spoken. 

Often as you seek to teach the present truth, opposition will be aroused; and if you seek to meet the opposition with argument, you will only multiply it, and that you can not afford to do. Hold to the affirmative. Angels of God, are watching you, and they understand how to impress those whose opposition you refuse to meet with argument… Christ’s way is the best way to meet our opponents. We strengthen their arguments when we repeat what they say. Keep always to the affirmative. It may be that the very man who is opposing you will carry your words home, and be converted to the sensible truth that has reached his understanding. 

We need to work more in Christ’s lines, to pray more. We need to exercise our faith until we can grasp the hand of Omnipotent power… May the Lord help you to take hold of this work as you have never yet taken hold of it. Will you do this? 

I thank thee, Lord God of Israel. Accept this pledge of thy people. Put thy Spirit upon them. Let thy glory be seen in them. As they shall speak the word of truth, let us see of the salvation of God. Amen. 

— The General Conference Bulletin, May 18, 1909 

O my Lord, through all the opposition I grasp Your hand of Omnipotent power and entrust myself to You who judges righteously. Help me to represent Christ in opposition, to be cheerful and to hold to the affirmative. I pray for Your power to reach hearts, help me speak only Your words of truth. Supply my lack by Your Holy Spirit that Your glory may be seen.