Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE

You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.

— 1 Peter 4:2,7, NLT

THE TESTIMONY

“The glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one; I in them, and Thou in Me...” These words seem almost beyond the grasp of our faith, yet we are to believe them, and act in accordance with them. We are to take time to pray, and then we are to live lives that are in harmony with our prayers, believing that the Lord will answer us. The answer may not come in just the way that we expect, but we may rest assured that the Master knows what is best for us. He is too wise to err, and too good to do us harm. We are to meet every trial and disappointment with the words, “Not my will, but Thine, be done.” 

“Ask, and it shall be given unto you...” To place ourselves in close connection with Christ by fervent, believing prayer—this is our part. For the fulfillment of this part we are responsible. For the rest we are to trust Him who knows what will best help us in our endeavors to do His will. 

You suppose that by disobeying Him, you have placed yourself beyond help. The Lord says, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Then cease to worry over the troubles that you so often bring upon your selves; come like a penitent child to Jesus, confessing your sins. 

We need to pray often: “Lord, increase my faith, that I may be strong to quench the fiery darts of the enemy. Make me more than a conqueror through Him that loved me and gave Himself for me.” The Holy Spirit, earnestly sought and constantly cherished, works in the hearts of those who believe, giving them power to become the sons of God. To follow Christ means everything to us. The path of the Christian is as a shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. He who follows Christ is assured that he shall have the light of life,—an insight into sacred things, a close, personal acquaintance with God. 

We need have no fear that He will not fulfill His promises. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant that He has made with those who love Him. 

— The Signs of the Times, March 16, 1904

THE RESPONSE

Rest assured that the Master knows what is best for you. Meet every trial and disappointment with the words, “Not my will, but Yours, be done.” 

If you disobey Him, take hold of His strength. Come like a penitent child to Jesus, confess your sins and you shall make peace with Him. 

Pray often: “Lord, increase my faith that I may be strong to quench the fiery darts of the enemy. Make me more than a conqueror through Him who loves me and gave Himself for me.”

Earnestly seek and constantly cherish the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and give you power to become a child of God. He will fulfill His promises.