Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

— Galatians 6:9,10, NLT

THE TESTIMONY 

If Christ has given you light, let it shine to others… Will you not begin from this time to work upon the Bible plan, and live to do your neighbor good, to be a blessing to those around you? 

Heaven is full of light and strength, and we can draw from it if we will. God is waiting to pour his blessing upon us as soon as we draw nigh to him and by living faith grasp his promises. He says that he is more willing to give his Holy Spirit to those that ask him than earthly parents are to give good gifts unto their children. Shall we take him at his word? 

If the people of God would only exercise faith, he would work in a wonderful manner to accomplish this work. Hear the words of Christ: “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” Precious promise! Do we believe it? What marvelous results would appear if the united prayers of this company were to ascend to God in living faith! Jesus stands ready to take these petitions and present them to his Father, saying, “I know these persons by name. Send answers to their prayers; for I have graven their names on the palms of my hands.” 

The adversary of souls will work through his agents to turn you from the path of right. He will present before you many and great temptations; but at such times remember Joseph. When tempted, he said, “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” For his steadfastness to principle he was unjustly cast into prison. By this he was humbled, but not degraded; and, continuing to live in the fear of God, he forgot his troubles in ministering to the wants of his suffering companions. 

To all who are engaged in the missionary work I would say, Hide in Jesus. Let not self but Christ appear in all your labors. When the work goes hard, and you become discouraged and are tempted to abandon it, take your Bible, bow upon your knees before God, and say, “Here, Lord, thy word is pledged.” Throw your weight upon his promises, and every one of them will be fulfilled. 

— Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, p.152, 153  

THE RESPONSE 

Dear Lord, I draw light and strength from You and seek to live so the beauty of Your light may shine upon others. Let me to be a blessing to those around me. Help me to forget my own troubles by ministering to the wants of others who are suffering. I do not want self, but Christ, to be seen. Pour out Your blessings on Your people, O Lord, by living faith I grasp the promise to be filled with the Holy Spirit.