Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

— Matthew 4:4, NIV 

THE TESTIMONY 

Many know so little of faith that when they have asked God for his help and blessing, they look to themselves to see if their prayer is answered; and if they have a happy flight of feeling, they are satisfied. This is not faith, but unbelief. We should trust God, whether we experience any change of feeling or not. We cannot expect to be very joyful and hopeful while we look to ourselves... Satan can move upon our feelings, and he can so arrange surrounding circumstances as to make our feelings changeable. Victory in God is not feeling, but faith. It is the faith that will not yield although there are seeming impossibilities to be encountered. 

We may have daily victories; but we lose the most precious gifts that Heaven can bestow because we will not take God at his word... I go forward in the path of humble obedience, expecting the Lord to answer my prayers, and sustain and bless me in doing the work that duty requires. Although all may seem dark, I place myself in the channel of light. What have I to do with feelings of darkness and discouragement? What have I to be troubled about? Faith can penetrate the darkest cloud. God has promised, and he will not fail me. It is no difficult, mysterious problem to believe. We take Jesus at his word; we come to him with all our burdens and our soul needs, and, according to his promise, find in him a helper and a strong deliverer. 

There is a deep, rich, and full experience for us individually to gain. We shall every one of us be tested and tried. We have a rough pathway before us; but Jesus has traveled this way, and he knows just how to help us. Faith lightens our burdens and relieves our weariness by the anticipation of Heaven at our journey’s end. Faith rejoices in hope, and is patient in affliction. Faith waxes strong and valiant in conflict, and conquers in the great fight of temptation. We must have a living faith,—a faith that will hold the soul in the hour of trial.

Believe; claim the promises, and praise God that you do receive the things you have asked of him. 

— Signs of the Times, May 22, 1884 

THE RESPONSE 

Ask God for His help and blessing then trust Him with a faith that will not yield although there are seeming impossibilities to be encountered. 

Take God at His word. Go forward in the path of humble obedience expecting the Lord to answer your prayers and sustain and bless you.

Take Jesus at His word. Come to Him with all your burdens and soul needs, and, according to His promise, find in Him a helper and a strong deliverer. 

Believe; claim the promises and praise God that you do receive the things you have asked of Him.