Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

— James 1:2-4, NIV 

THE TESTIMONY 

In seasons of temptations we seem to lose sight of the fact that God tests us that our faith may be tried, and be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus. The Lord places us in different positions to develop us. 

You will become strong in Christ if you endure the testing process, and the proving of God. But if you find fault with your situation, and with everybody around you, you will only grow weaker... our defects of character will be made manifest to us, and when they are made plain, instead of finding fault with others, let us say, “I will arise and go to my Father.” 

When we begin to realize that we are sinners, and fall on the Rock to be broken, the Everlasting arms are placed about us, and we are brought close to the heart of Jesus. Then we shall be charmed with his loveliness, and disgusted with our own righteousness. We need to come close to the foot of the cross. The more we humble ourselves there, the more exalted will God’s love appear. The grace and righteousness of Christ will not avail for him who feels whole, for him who thinks he is reasonably good, and is contented with his condition. There is no room for Christ in the heart of such a person; for he does not realize his need of divine light and aid. 

Satan hates those who have taken hold of the strength of Christ, but those who have made a full surrender are reconciled to God, and he will be their defense... take your burden to Jesus, and lay your whole soul open before him. Do not carry it to a third person. Do not lay your burden upon humanity. Say, “I will not gratify the enemy by murmuring. I will lay my care at the feet of Jesus. I will tell it to him in faith.” If you do this, you will receive help from above; you will realize the fulfillment of the promise, “He is on my right hand that I should not be moved.” “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” 

— The Review and Herald, August 6, 1889 

THE RESPONSE 

Become strong in Christ. When your defects of character are made plain to you, instead of finding fault say, “I will arise and go to my Father.” 

Come close to the foot of the cross, humble yourself there and realize your need of divine light and aid. 

Take hold of the strength of Christ and make a full surrender. Lay your whole soul open before Him. Say, “I will not gratify the enemy by murmuring. I will lay my care at the feet of Jesus. I will tell it to him in faith.”

Claim the fulfillment of the promise, “He is at my right hand that I should not be moved.”