Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers—No. 9

All Ability is From God

There are those who are not learned, and who have not a large endowment of gifts, but they need not become discouraged because of this. Let them use what they have, faithfully guarding every weak point in their characters, seeking by divine grace to make it strong. There is no man living that has any power or ability which he has not received from God, and the source from whence it came is open to the weakest human being. If he will draw near to God, the unfailing source of strength, he will realize that God fulfils his promise. But in this work, we need not call men thousands of miles to give us aid; for Christ has promised, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find.” SpTA09 43.1

God has not given talents to men capriciously, but according to their God-given ability to use them. The greater the talents lent to man, the greater the returns required. God requires every human agent to consult the living oracle, and become thoroughly acquainted with his expressed will in all matters, that by diligently using the talents lent him, he may gain others. SpTA09 43.2

God would have us learn the solemn lesson that we are working out our own destiny. The character we form in this life decides whether or not we are fitted to live through the eternal ages. No man can with safety remain idle. He may not have many talents, but let him trade on those which he has; and in proportion as he exhibits integrity toward God and his fellow men, so God will bless him. SpTA09 43.3

The Holy Spirit waits to give aid to every believing soul, and Jesus declares, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Let those who believe in Jesus, be strong, prayerful, and full of trust in Christ's power to save. “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” SpTA09 43.4