Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

— Hebrews 12:11, NIV 

THE TESTIMONY 

The followers of Christ know little of the plots which Satan and his hosts are forming against them. But He who sitteth in the heavens will overrule all these devices for the accomplishment of His deep designs. 

The Lord permits His people to be subjected to the fiery ordeal of temptation, not because He takes pleasure in their distress and affliction, but because this process is essential to their final victory... the very object of the trial is to prepare them to resist all the allurements of evil. 

Neither wicked men nor devils can hinder the work of God, or shut out His presence from His people, if they will, with subdued, contrite hearts, confess and put away their sins, and in faith claim His promises. Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret, may be successfully resisted, “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” . 

“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers... who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?”  

Satan is well aware that the weakest soul who abides in Christ is more than a match for the hosts of darkness, and that, should he reveal himself openly, he would be met and resisted. Therefore he seeks to draw away the soldiers of the cross from their strong fortification, while he lies in ambush with his forces... Only in humble reliance upon God, and obedience to all His commandments, can we be secure. 

No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer. Especially should we entreat the Lord for wisdom to understand His word. Here are revealed the wiles of the tempter and the means by which he may be successfully resisted. 

We should study the Bible with humility of heart, never losing sight of our dependence upon God. While we must constantly guard against the devices of Satan, we should pray in faith continually: “Lead us not into temptation.” 

— The Great Controversy, p.528-530 

THE RESPONSE 

Confess and put away your sins with a contrite heart.

In faith claim His promises to successfully resist every temptation “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.” 

Especially entreat the Lord for wisdom to understand His word and reveal the wiles of the tempter. 

Study the Bible with humility of heart realizing your dependence on God. Pray in faith continually, “Lead me not into temptation.”