Prayer and Promises

Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

— Hebrews 12:2, MEV 

It is in looking upon our sinful condition, and talking and mourning over our wretchedness, that distress becomes more keen, and pain accumulates. Let the sinner arise in the strength of Jesus, for he has no strength of his own, and let him assert his liberty. Let him believe that the Lord has spoken truth, and trust in him, whatever may be the feelings of the heart. Let the sinner say, I will look away from my own misery, from the wound of the serpent, to the uplifted Saviour, who has said, “Him that cometh to me, I will in nowise cast out.” Look upon Jesus. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” 

“God is love.” Repeat this sentence whenever temptation presses upon you. Remember that he is just and merciful, true and gracious… He will accept you just as you are; for there is no hope of your becoming better until you come to Jesus for pardon and sanctification. 

God does not ask you to feel that Jesus is your Saviour, but to believe that he died for you, and that his blood now cleanseth you from all sin… whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Saving faith is simplicity itself… God had provided a remedy that cannot fail. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Be not among the number to whom the Saviour said, “Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life.” Oh, how he longed to save them; for while we were yet sinners (not waiting for us to make ourselves good), Christ died for us. 

Take the word of Jesus Christ as more sure and valuable than any word that can come from the human agent. Thank God with your whole heart and soul and voice that you are barricaded with the rich promises of his infallible word, so that the wicked one shall not touch you. God will give you the Holy Spirit, even though it may seem to you that it is too good to be true. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” 

— Signs of the Times, April 9, 1894