Prayer and Promises

The Promise

I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.

— John 14:12,14,16, HCSB 

The Testimony

Time and energy and means are devoted to those who know the truth, instead of being used to enlighten the ignorant. Our churches are being tended as though they were sick lambs by those who should be seeking for the lost sheep. If our people would minister to other souls who need their help, they would themselves be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd, and thousands would be rejoicing in the fold who are now wandering in the desert. Instead of hovering over our people, let every soul go to work to seek and to save the lost… seek a knowledge of God’s ways by wrestling earnestly with him in secret prayer, laying hold upon the promises of God by faith. 

The Lord Jesus has all power in heaven and in earth. If you will draw upon it, combining the strength of Heaven with your own, precious souls will be converted. The presence of the Holy Spirit is vouchsafed to all. Christ, our Mediator, renews our strength by the power of his presence… When souls are converted, set them to work at once. And as they labor according to their ability, they will grow stronger. It is by meeting opposing influences that we become confirmed in the faith. As the light shines into their hearts, let them diffuse its rays. Teach the newly converted that they are to enter into fellowship with Christ, to be his witnesses, and to make him known unto the world. None should be forward to enter into controversy, but they should tell the simple story of the love of Jesus. All should constantly search the Scriptures for the reason of their faith, so that, if asked, they may give “a reason of the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear.” The best medicine you can give the church is not preaching or sermonizing, but planning work for them. If set to work, the despondent would soon forget their despondency, the weak would become strong, the ignorant intelligent, and all would be prepared to present the truth as it is in Jesus. They would find an unfailing helper in him who has promised to save all who come unto him. 

If they go forth in simple faith, relying upon the promises of the word of God, they may accomplish great good. 

— The Review and Herald, June 25, 1895 

The Response 

O Lord, I pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit that Your light may shine in my heart so Christ may be glorified in me and the interest of Your kingdom may be advanced. Help me tell the simple story of the love of Jesus. You are my unfailing helper and I go forth in simple faith, for it is only by relying on the promises of Your word that I may accomplish any good.