Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

— James 1:12, MEV 

The Testimony 

We shall meet with conflicts to test our faith and courage, but they will make us strong if we conquer through the grace that Jesus is willing to give. But we must believe; we must grasp the promises without a doubt. They are ample and rich. Hear the assurance given by the prophet of the Lord: 

“Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines…and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord is my strength…” As we exercise faith, the promises of God will be verified to us. And as we walk consistently with our profession of faith, we are also teaching others to walk circumspectly. 

Do not consult feeling, for feeling is not to be our guide. We are to walk by faith, not by sight. Do not let unbelief separate you from God. Do not let one word of unbelief or discouragement escape your lips. Satan is pleased at every such expression, because it is dishonoring to Jesus… Walk in the light and the peace and joy that shine in the face of Christ will be reflected in you. Jesus lives, and his promise is, “According to your faith be it unto you.” 

We may come very near to Jesus; we may commune with him, and having found rest and peace to our own souls, we may show forth to others the beauty of true holiness… Through constant watchfulness and grace we may grow in grace and perfect Christian characters. But prayer will be no task to the soul that loves God; it will be a pleasure, a source of strength. Our hearts will be stayed upon God, and we shall say by our daily life, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” 

The Lord is waiting to bestow rich blessings upon us if we will only comply with the conditions. We can not glorify him while we cherish doubt. We must believe that he will do just what he has said he would. Remember that we have a living Saviour. If you do not feel light-hearted and joyous, do not dishonor God by talking of your feelings. Talk of the promises, talk of Jesus’ willingness to bless; and before you are aware of it, the cloud will lift, light will come into the soul, and you will find peace and rest in Jesus. 

— The Southern Watchman, February 9, 1904 

The Response 

O my Father, I grasp Your promise for endurance through the conflicts in my life. You are my strength. I will not give in to my feelings, for they are not my guide. I grasp Your promises without a doubt and put my trust in You, for You will do just what You said You would. Thank You for Your willingness to bless and the peace and rest I find in Jesus!