Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

— 1 John 5:4,5, NIV 

THE TESTIMONY 

Christ was one with us in suffering the temptations common to human nature... When tempted, he sought strength from his Heavenly Father, just as every individual may do who is tempted. He prayed often, pouring out his petitions with strong crying and tears. He besought his Father for help, in order that he might be braced for trial and strengthened for duty. My dear brother, you place yourself in the society of those who bring temptations upon you, and you do not always resist temptation; yet the first decided resistance would bring angels to your side, to strengthen you. When you present your petitions to God for help, an angel lifts up a standard for you against the enemy, in order that you may not be overcome. You should look by faith to Jesus, saying, “Lord, save, or I perish.” When this petition is sincerely offered, the heavenly standard is raised, and one stronger than your enemy shields you from his assaults. 

Does not the Bible say, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”? 

The Lord would have us lay hold of these promises for ourselves. He does not desire us to go in anguish of spirit. We are not to look at the thorns and the thistles in our experience. We are to go into the garden of God’s word, and pluck the lilies, the roses, and the fragrant pinks of his promises. Those who look upon the difficulties in their experience, will talk doubt and discouragement; for they do not behold Jesus, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. We should keep our minds upon the love, the mercy, the graciousness of our God... by studying the word of God we shall see that we are not left to our weakness, to our doubts, and that there is no occasion for sinking under discouragement. Talk faith; act faith. Cultivate the faith that works by love, and purifies the soul. 

Turn your eyes from within, and look to Jesus, who is your only helper. 

— The Review and Herald, May 19, 1896 

THE RESPONSE 

When tempted, seek strength from your Heavenly Father. Pray often asking your Father for help to be braced for trial and strengthened for duty.

Look by faith to Jesus, saying, “Lord, save me or I perish.” Sincerely offer this petition. 

Lay hold of the promises for yourself. Behold Jesus, keep your mind on the love, the mercy, the graciousness of your God. 

Turn your eyes from within and look to Jesus, who is your only helper. 

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