Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

— Hebrews 12:2, MEV 

The Testimony 

Faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good. Thus, instead of our own, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership and accepts its blessing. 

It is a mistake to suppose that we must feel ourselves accepted of God before we can appropriate the promises of His word. Faith must not rely upon feeling, but upon the promises of God. Faith takes hold of the divine word; whereas feeling often eclipses faith in a “Thus saith the Lord.” 

The Father is more willing to bestow His grace than we are to ask for it. “If ye shall ask anything in My name,” He says, “I will do it.”… But it means much to ask in Christ’s name. It means to ask in the simplicity of a little child, and with full trust that what we ask for we shall receive. 

The Lord says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble.” He invites us to present to Him our perplexities and necessities, and our need of divine help. He bids us be instant in prayer. As soon as difficulties arise, we are to offer to Him our sincere, earnest petitions. By our importunate prayers we give evidence of our strong confidence in God. The sense of our need leads us to pray earnestly, and our heavenly Father is moved by our supplications. 

The world’s Redeemer came to our world to live the life of humanity, that humanity through faith in Him, might lay hold of divinity, and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. 

To His disciples He says, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” A life of sanctification and joy in believing is held out to every soul who in faith will claim the promises of the word of God, and draw upon divine strength for the work of overcoming. It is the privilege of the Christian to wax strong under difficulties. If the religious life is constantly sustained by relying on the Author and Finisher of our faith, God will give a rich experience. 

— Signs of the Times, December 9, 1908 

The Response 

My dear Lord, I am Yours and rely on You as the Author and Finisher of my faith. Instead of choosing my own way, I choose Your way of righteousness. In place of my weakness I take hold of Your word and plead for Your strength to overcome the corruption that is in the world. By faith I claim Your promises. I trust You to answer in a way that is for my best good. I am grateful for the assurances of Your love. Thank You for the rich experience I may have in Christ Jesus!