Prayer and Promises

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 3:13,14, CSB 

Paul allowed nothing to divert him from the one ruling purpose of his life. In all its busy activities, he never lost sight of his one great purpose,—to press on toward the prize of his high calling. One aim he kept steadfastly before him,—to be faithful to Christ. 

My dear fellow workers, let the great purpose that constrained Paul to press forward in the face of hardship and difficulty lead you to consecrate yourselves wholly to God’s service. 

Into the daily life there come many perplexing problems that we can not solve… It is in following light given that we receive greater light. Those who go forward in faith will find the solution of the problems that perplex them. Light will shine on the pathway of the workers who go forward without questioning. God will go before them, giving them skill and understanding to do that which needs to be done. Having committed themselves to the work, and having asked wisdom from God, let them trust in him. They can not carry the burden of their responsibility alone. This Christ does not ask them to do. He will carry, not a part, but the whole of the weight of their burden; for he is a mighty Saviour. 

Move, forward at the call of God. When he points out a work to be done, in his name and with full faith take up that work. You may not see the end from the beginning. Perplexities may surround you. Others may tell you of the lions in the way. But nevertheless go forward, saying, The Lord wants this work done, and I will act my part faithfully. I will not fail nor be discouraged. 

At times the arm of faith seems too short even to touch the Saviour’s garment, but there stands the promise, with God behind it: “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am…” 

It is not our efforts that bring victory; it is seeing God behind the promise, and believing and trusting him. Grasp by faith the hand of infinite power. The Lord is faithful who has promised. 

— The Review and Herald, December 29, 1910 

Father God, I fall so short of reaching the goal of the high calling. But forgetting what is behind, I press forward, consecrating myself wholly to Your service. Go before me, O Lord. Through all the difficulties, give me skill and understanding. I ask for Your wisdom, claiming the promise that when I call, You will answer and say, “Here I am.” By faith I grasp Your hand of infinite power!