Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE

When the goodness of God and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us — not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 

— Titus 3:4,5, NASB 

THE TESTIMONY 

Christ died for us, making full and abundant provision for our redemption... He has not forsaken us; he has not left us to grapple with the power of the enemy in our own finite strength. Heavenly angels fight our battles for us; and co-operating with them, we may be victorious over the powers of evil. Trusting in Christ as our personal Saviour, we may be “more than conquerors through him that loved us.” 

Satan will come to you, saying, “You are a sinner;” but do not allow him to fill your mind with the thought that because you are sinful, God has cast you off. Say to him, Yes; I am a sinner, and for that very reason I need a Saviour. I need forgiveness and pardon, and Christ says that if I will come to him, I shall not perish. In his letter to me I read, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

The moment you grasp God’s promises by faith, saying, I am the lost sheep Jesus came to save, a new life will take possession of you, and you will receive strength to resist the tempter. But faith to grasp the promises does not come by feeling. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” You must not look for some great change to take place; you must not expect to feel some wonderful emotion. 

Christ longs to see his people resist the adversary of souls; but only by looking away from self to Jesus can we do this. Cease to bemoan your helpless condition; for your Saviour is touched with the feeling of your infirmities, and today he says to you, Be not discouraged, but cast your burdens upon me. I will take them all, and will bring to pass that which is good for your soul. Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we shall be inspired with hope and shall see the salvation of God; for he is able to keep us from falling. When we are tempted to mourn, let us force our lips to utter the praises of God; for he is worthy of praise. 

Respond to the calls of God’s love, and say, I will trust in the Lord, and be comforted; for he has loved me. I will praise the Lord, for his anger is turned away. 

— Review and Herald, September 15, 1896 

THE RESPONSE  

Grasp God’s promises by faith saying, I am the lost sheep Jesus came to save. Pray in faith, grasping the promises to receive new life and strength.

Resist the adversary of souls by looking away from self to Jesus. Be not discouraged but look to Jesus casting your burdens on Him.

God is able to keep you from falling, when you are tempted to mourn, force your lips to utter the praises of Him; for He is worthy of praise. 

Respond to God’s love by saying, I will trust in the Lord and be comforted; for He loves me. I will praise the Lord.