Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

— Romans 12:2, NLT 

The Testimony 

Behold Christ. Dwell upon his love and mercy. This will fill the soul with abhorrence for all that is sinful, and will inspire it with an intense desire for the righteousness of Christ. The more clearly we see the Saviour, the more clearly shall we discern our defects of character. Confess your sins to Christ, and with true contrition of soul co-operate with him by putting these sins away. Believe that they are pardoned. The promise is positive, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Be assured that the word of God will not fail. He who has promised is faithful. It is as much your duty to believe that God will fulfill his word and forgive you as it is to confess your sins. 

Exercise faith in God. How many there are who go through life under a cloud of condemnation! They do not believe God’s word. They have no faith that he will do as he has said. 

Let us trust God’s word implicitly, remembering that we are his sons and daughters. Let us train ourselves to believe his word. We hurt the heart of Christ by doubting, when he has given such evidence of his love. He laid down his life to save us. He says to us: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls…” 

Do you believe he will do as he has said? Then, after you have complied with the conditions, carry no longer the burden of your sins. Let it roll upon the Saviour. Trust yourself with him. Has he not promised to give you rest? But to many he is obliged to say sorrowfully, “Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” 

Look steadfastly to Jesus. Behold him, full of grace and truth. He will make his goodness pass before you while he hides you in the cleft of the rock. You will be enabled to endure the seeing of him who is invisible, and by beholding you will be transformed. 

— The Review and Herald, February 28, 1907 

The Response 

O my Savior, I seek to know Your perfect will for my life because Your ways are full of goodness and mercy, so different from the ways of the world. With my eyes fixed on Jesus, so full of grace and truth, I confess my sins and roll all my burdens upon my Savior. Thank You for making me free from the burden of sin, Your word does not fail! With a grateful heart for Your saving love, I gladly yoke up with Christ.