The Signs of the Times
March 16, 1904
A Present Help
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, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that Thou has sent 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.” ST March 16, 1904, par. 1
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“Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” To place ourselves in close connection with Christ by fervent, believing prayer—this is our part. For the fulfilment 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. ST March 16, 1904, par. 2
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Let us place ourselves in the line of co-operation with God, making it possible for Him to answer our prayers. He has issued His promissory notes, declaring, “A new heart will I give you.” He says that He will be found of those who seek Him with the whole heart. When you lose your hold on Him, and fail of receiving the fulfilment of the promise, the bank of heaven has not failed; you have broken your covenant with God. He can not fulfil His promises while you refuse to let Him take away your transgressions, because 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. “Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” ST March 16, 1904, par. 3
Are not these words full of encouragement? God assures us that He will not leave us to grope in uncertainty. He will not leave us to be our own teachers in the all-important matters that concern our eternal destiny. He declares: “I will be your Teacher. I will give you light and knowledge. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.” We gain nothing by gathering about us mist and cloud. The Lord desires us to be cheerful and joyful. He desires us to have a cloudless experience. ST March 16, 1904, par. 4
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. ST March 16, 1904, par. 5
Despondency in God's service is sinful and unreasonable. He knows our every necessity. He has all power. He can bestow upon His servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands. His infinite love and compassion never weary. With the majesty of Omnipotence He unites the gentleness and care of a tender shepherd. We need have no fear that He will not fulfil His promises. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant that He has made with those who love Him. ST March 16, 1904, par. 6
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee,” He declares; “be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” ST March 16, 1904, par. 7