Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good reserve for the age to come, so that they may take hold of life that is real.

— 1 Timothy 6:18,19, HCSB 

THE TESTIMONY 

When Jesus ascended to heaven, he committed his work on earth to those who had received the light of the gospel. They were to carry the work forward to completion. He has provided no other agency for the promulgation of his truth. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” “And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”... while angels have their work to do, we are to do ours in opening the Bible truth to those who are in darkness. 

Trials will come. God will test the strength of our faith. He will prove us to see if we will trust him under difficulties. The silver and the gold are the Lord’s; and when his stewards have done their duty fully, and can do no more, they are not to sit down at ease, and let things take their course. It is then that they should cry to God for help. There should be stated seasons for prayer. Let those who have faith seek the Lord earnestly. 

Brethren, move high heaven by your prayers for God to work with the efforts of his servants. The Lord has agencies which he will put in operation in answer to the importunate prayers of faith. He will fulfill his word, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” 

We need to cry to God as did Jacob, for a greater baptism of the Holy Spirit. The time for labor is short. Let there be much praying. Let the soul yearn after God. Let the secret places of prayer be often visited. Let there be a taking hold of the strength of the mighty God of Israel. Let the ministers walk humbly before the Lord, weeping between the porch and the altar, and crying, “Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach.”  

What is needed now is a church whose individual members shall be awake and active to do all that is possible for them to accomplish. We are not left alone in this work. We are laborers together with God, in partnership with divine resources. The Captain of our salvation is on every field of battle where truth is waging war against error. 

— The Review and Herald, October 12, 1886 

THE RESPONSE 

Trust God under difficulties. Cry to God for help. Have set times for prayer to seek the Lord earnestly. 

Move high heaven by your prayers for God to work with your efforts. Ask the Lord to fulfill His word, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” 

Cry to God for a greater baptism of the Holy Spirit. Take hold of the strength of the mighty God of Israel. 

Walk humbly before the Lord crying, “Spare Your people, O Lord, and do not make Your heritage a reproach.”