Our trials are often such that they seem almost unbearable, and indeed without help from God we could not bear them. Unless we rely upon Him, we shall sink under the burden of responsibility that brings only sadness and grief. But if we make Christ our dependence, we shall not sink under trial. When all seems dark and unexplainable, we are to trust in His love; we must repeat the words of Christ, “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” …
There is no release in this warfare; the battle is life-long, and must be carried forward with determination and energy proportionate to the value of the object to be attained, which is eternal life. Immense interests are here involved. We are made partakers of Christ’s sacrifice here in this life, and if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end, we are assured that we shall be partakers of all the benefits of the future, immortal life. …
Trials will certainly come, but we have a living Saviour, an Intercessor, One who will help us in every time of need. … Eternal interests are here involved. Maintain to the last your Christian integrity. You cannot afford to become discouraged, and cast away your confidence; the Lord Jesus is your only hope. Make sure work for eternity. You must not murmur or complain; neglect no means of grace; encourage your soul to believe and trust in God. “Take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Satan is ever seeking to destroy; he is casting his hellish shadow between our souls and the light of the Sun of righteousness. When you talk doubts, and distrust your Heavenly Father’s love, Satan comes in, and deepens the impression, and that which was only a shadow is made the blackness of despair. Your only hope is to cease talking darkness. In dwelling on the dark side, you cast away your confidence in God, and this is just what Satan wants you to do. He wants to sift you as wheat; but Jesus is making intercession for you. His love is broad and deep. Perhaps you will say, “How do you know He loves me?” I look where you may look, to the cross of Calvary. The blood shed upon the cross cleanseth from all sin. When tempted to go in the dark cave of doubt and despair, sing:
“Arise, my soul, arise,
Shake off thy guilt fears;
The bleeding Sacrifice
In my behalf appears;
Before the throne my Surety stands;
My name is written on His hands.” …
Do not stay away from Jesus, for He loves you. You may say, “He will not hear my prayers; I am a sinner.” But Christ says, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Then you are not to wait, but come now, and believe that He will receive you. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
But you cannot enjoy His blessing without any action on your part. Salvation is a gift offered to you free; on no other condition can you obtain it, than as a free gift. But cooperation on your part is essential for your salvation. … The Holy Spirit works in us by bringing to mind, vividly and often, the precious truths concerning God’s saving operations in the plan of redemption. We would forget the truths of God, which we neglect to obey, and for us His rich promises would lose their efficiency, were it not for the Holy Spirit working upon our hearts; He takes of the things of God, and presents them anew to our minds.
To make God’s grace our own, we must do our allotted part; we must believe Christ, we must show the grace of Christ in our lives, bearing fruit to the glory of God. Do not please Satan by carrying a sad, mournful countenance. When the furnace fire kindles about your soul, is the time to fight the good fight of faith, to reveal your confidence, your trust in Jesus. The Review and Herald, August 25, 1891