Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

And you complained in your tents, and said, ‘Because the Lord hates us, He has brought us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified, or afraid of them. The Lord your God, who goes before you, He will fight for you, according to all He did for you in Egypt before your eyes.”

— Deuteronomy 1:27,29,30, NKJV 

THE TESTIMONY 

The Lord directed Moses to recount to the children of Israel His dealings with them in their deliverance from Egypt and their wonderful preservation in the wilderness. 

It is just as essential that the people of God in this day should bear in mind how and when they have been tested, and where their faith has failed... God’s mercy, His sustaining providence, His never-to-be-forgotten deliverances, are to be recounted, step by step.

Renouncing all self-dependence, they are to trust in Him to save them from again dishonoring His name... Then let those who have made mistakes walk carefully, at every step praying: “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” 

God sends trials to prove who will stand faithful under temptation. He brings all into trying positions to see if they will trust in a power out of and above themselves. 

We should gather up the evidences of Heaven’s blessings, the tokens for good, saying: Lord, we believe in Thee, in Thy servants, and in Thy work. We will trust in Thee... We will keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. We will act our part by being true to the work of God.” 

Our greatest need is faith in God. When we look on the dark side we lose our hold on the Lord. 

As you cultivate faith and place yourselves in right relation to God and by earnest prayer brace yourselves to do your duty you will be worked by the Holy Spirit. The many problems that are now mysterious you may solve for yourselves by continued trust in God.  

We must have less faith in what we can do and more faith in what the Lord can do for us, if we will have clean hands and pure hearts. 

Do not worry. By looking at appearances, and complaining when difficulty and pressure come, you reveal a sickly, enfeebled faith. By your words and your works show that your faith is invincible. The Lord is rich in resources. He owns the world.

Look to Him who has light, and power, and efficiency. He will bless everyone who is seeking to communicate light and love. 

— Testimonies for the Church Volume 7, p.210-212 

THE RESPONSE 

Recount God’s mercy, His sustaining providence, His never-to-be-forgotten deliverances. 

When you make mistakes pray at every step: “Hold up my steps in Your path that my footsteps may not slip.” 

Say: Lord, I believe in You. I will trust in You. I will keep Your way of justice and judgment. I will act my part by being true to the work of God.

Have less faith in what you can do and more faith in what the Lord can do for you.