Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE

Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me. 

—Isaiah 27:5, NKJV 

THE TESTIMONY

The Saviour knows that in humanity we shall find no solace for our woe, and He pities us because we are so needy, and yet so unwilling to make Him our confidant, our burden-bearer. Of the poor, fainting soul, tired of looking to humanity only to be betrayed and forgotten, Christ says, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” 

Do not take your sorrows and difficulties to man. Present yourself to Him who is able to do “exceeding abundantly.” He knows just how to help you. Do not turn from the loving, compassionate Redeemer to human friends, who, tho they may give you the best they have, may lead you into wrong paths. Take all your troubles to Jesus. He will receive and strengthen and comfort you. He is the great Healer of all maladies. His great heart of infinite love yearns over you. 

There are many who live under such a pressure of worry that they taste but little of the sweetness of God’s love. They do not know the meaning of the words, “That My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Let us do our best, and then leave everything in the hands of the Lord, saying, I believe Thy promises. Wilt Thou not give evidence of Thy working? He will hear and answer. 

“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” These words are the pledge that all that an omnipotent Saviour can bestow will be given to those who trust in Him. As stewards of the grace of heaven, we are to ask in faith, and then wait trustingly for the salvation of God. We are not to step in before Him, trying in our own strength to bring about that which we desire. In His name we are to ask, and then we are to act as if we trusted His efficiency. 

Lay all your plans at the feet of the Redeemer. And do not cease to pray. If the answer tarry, wait for it. Let your importunate prayers continue to ascend to God. If it be for His name’s glory, the soothing words will be spoken, “Be it unto thee according to thy word.”

— Signs of the Times, February 14, 1906 

THE RESPONSE

O my Father, I bring all my troubles to You, and You only. You alone know just how to help me. I lay all my plans at Your feet for You are able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think. I believe the promises of Your pledged word, will You not give evidence of Your working? I will continue to wait upon You as my strength and comfort!