Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s temple, proclaiming that he himself is God. But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God has chosen you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

— 2 Thessalonians 2:4,13, CSB 

The Testimony 

The day of God is right upon us. The world has converted the church. Both are in harmony, and are acting on a short-sighted policy. Protestants will work upon the rulers of the land to make laws... The protest of Bible truth will be no longer tolerated by those who have not made the law of God their rule of life. 

What effect will the attempt of men to make void the law of God have upon the righteous? Will they be intimidated because of the universal scorn that is put upon the holy law of God? Will the true believers in the, “Thus saith the Lord,” become wavering and ashamed because the whole world seems to despise his righteous law?...—No; to those who have consecrated themselves to God to serve him, the law of God becomes more precious when the contrast is shown between the obedient and the transgressor. 

From time to time the Lord has made known his manner of working. He is mindful of what is passing upon the earth; and when a crisis has come, he has revealed himself, and has interposed to hinder the working of Satan’s plans. He has often permitted matters with nations, with families, and with individuals, to come to a crisis, that his interference might become marked. Then he has let the fact be known that there was a God in Israel who would sustain and vindicate his people. When the defiance of the law of Jehovah shall be almost universal, when his people shall be pressed in affliction by their fellow men, God will interpose. The fervent prayers of his people will be answered; for he loves to have his people seek him with all their heart, and depend upon him as their deliverer. He will be sought unto to do these things for his people, and he will arise as the protector and avenger of his people. The promise is, “Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him?...I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.” 

United prayers should ascend to heaven for the Lord to arise, and put an end to the violence and abuse which are practiced in our world. More prayer and less talk is what God desires, and it would make his people a tower of strength. 

— The Review and Herald, June 15, 1897 

The Response 

I consecrate myself to your service, O Lord. I seek Your laws as the rule of my life, for Your ways are good and far above the ways of this world. I look to You with all my heart. When the world makes Your law void, give me strength to stand as a true believer in a “Thus says the Lord.” Put an end to the violence and abuse which are practiced in our world. Be with Your people, for You are the deliverer and the protector to those who serve You. I claim the promise, “Shall not God avenge His own elect who cry day and night to Him? He will avenge them speedily.” You are my tower of strength!