Humble Hero

Faith Connects Us With Heaven

“If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” How many a sin-burdened soul has echoed that prayer! And to all the answer is, “All things are possible to him who believes.” In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait and resisting every temptation, no matter how strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these people not look to themselves, but to Christ. Faith comes by the Word of God. Grasp His promise, “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” John 6:37. Throw yourself at His feet with the cry, “I believe; help my unbelief.” You can never perish while you do this—never! HH 199.8

In a brief space of time, the three favored disciples had seen humanity as transfigured into the image of God and as debased into the likeness of Satan. They had seen Jesus proclaimed the Son of God and had seen Him meet the demon-possessed boy gnashing his teeth in agony. This mighty Redeemer had stood glorified a few hours before. Now He stooped to lift the victim of Satan from the earth and restore him to his father and home. HH 199.9

It was an illustration of redemption—the Divine One stooping to save the lost. It also represented the disciples’ mission. Christ’s servants are not to spend their lives alone on the mountaintop with Jesus. Down in the plain, people whom Satan has enslaved are waiting for the word of faith and prayer to set them free. HH 200.1

When Jesus was alone with the nine disciples once more, they questioned, “Why could not we cast it out?” Jesus answered, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Their unbelief, which shut them out from deeper sympathy with Christ, and the carelessness with which they regarded the sacred work committed to them had caused their failure. Jealous of the three disciples selected to go with Jesus to the mountain, they had been dwelling on their discouragements and personal grievances. In this state of darkness, they had attempted the conflict with Satan. HH 200.2

In order to succeed in such a conflict, their faith must be strengthened by earnest prayer, fasting, and humiliation of heart. They must be emptied of self and be filled with the Spirit and power of God. Only faith that leads to entire dependence on God and unreserved dedication to His work can bring the Holy Spirit’s aid in the battle against wicked spirits. HH 200.3

Lay hold on God’s word and all the helpful agencies He has appointed. In this way your faith will strengthen. The obstacles Satan piles across your path, apparently as impossible to scale as the eternal hills, will disappear when you exercise such faith. “Nothing will be impossible for you.” HH 200.4