The Signs of the Times
February 14, 1906
Trusting Christ
The Saviour knows that in humanity we shall find no solace for our woe, and He pities us because we are so needy, and yet so unwilling to make Him our confidant, our burden-bearer. Of the poor, fainting soul, tired of looking to humanity only to be betrayed and forgotten, Christ says, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” ST February 14, 1906, par. 1
Do not take your sorrows and difficulties to man. Present yourself to Him who is able to do “exceeding abundantly.” He knows just how to help you. Do not turn from the loving, compassionate Redeemer to human friends, who, tho they may give you the best they have, may lead you into wrong paths. Take all your troubles to Jesus. He will receive and strengthen and comfort you. He is the great Healer of all maladies. His great heart of infinite love yearns over you. He sends you the message that you may recover yourself from the snare of the enemy. You may regain your self-respect. You may stand where you regard yourself, not as a failure, but as a conqueror, in and through the uplifting influence of the Spirit of God. ST February 14, 1906, par. 2
There are many who live under such a pressure of worry that they taste but little of the sweetness of God's love. They do not know the meaning of the words, “That My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Let us do our best, and then leave everything in the hands of the Lord, saying, I believe Thy promises. Wilt Thou not give evidence of Thy working? He will hear and answer. ST February 14, 1906, par. 3
“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” These words are the pledge that all that an omnipotent Saviour can bestow will be given to those who trust in Him. As stewards of the grace of heaven, we are to ask in faith, and then wait trustingly for the salvation of God. We are not to step in before Him, trying in our own strength to bring about that which we desire. In His name we are to ask, and then we are to act as if we trusted His efficiency. ST February 14, 1906, par. 4
We lose many blessings by failing to bring our needs and cares and sorrows to our Saviour. He is the wonderful Counsellor. He looks upon His church with intense interest, and with a heart full of tender sympathy. He enters into the depth of our necessities. But our ways are not always His ways. He sees the result of every action, and He asks us to trust patiently in His wisdom, not in the supposedly-wise plans of our own making. ST February 14, 1906, par. 5
Lay all your plans at the feet of the Redeemer. And do not cease to pray. If the answer tarry, wait for it. Let your importunate prayers continue to ascend to God. If it be for His name's glory, the soothing words will be spoken, “Be it unto thee according to thy word.” ST February 14, 1906, par. 6
We do not depend on God as we should. Let us leave unsaid every word of complaint. Talk faith and courage. Be afraid to doubt, lest this become a habit that will destroy faith. The dealings of Providence may seem dark and mysterious and unexplainable; nevertheless we are to trust in Him, saying, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” Whatever may be your circumstances, however dark and mysterious may seem the ways of Providence, tho your path may lead through deep waters, and trial and bereavement may afflict you again and again, the assurance is still yours, “All things work together for good to them that love God.” ST February 14, 1906, par. 7
Do not let Satan accomplish his purpose to keep you in the chamber of darkness and shadow, where the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness do not penetrate. Dwelling in the darkness, your beliefs will be tinged with gloom and your hopes buried in the night. The Lord bids you look up, saying, O God, here I am; do unto me as seemeth good to Thee. Use me in Thy service. I will no longer make my life an affliction to myself and to others. I will not shun the cross, or refuse to take up the work that Thou hast bidden me do. I am Thine. I will no longer sit in sackcloth and ashes. I will come out of the darkened chamber of death into the upper room, which is filled with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. ST February 14, 1906, par. 8
“Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.” “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God; it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations. ST February 14, 1906, par. 9
Mrs. E. G. White