The Review and Herald
July 29, 1909
Be of Good Courage
There are some in our churches who, if there is discouragement in any line, are sure to talk about it. This is not the right way to do. Those who do not work in hopefulness, keep themselves under a cloud of doubt. The enemy is not dead, and the nearer we come to the close of this earth's history, the more vigilant will be his efforts to keep souls in discouragement, that the light of heaven may not be revealed in words and acts to bring hope and cheer and courage to others. We must be wide-awake to meet the wiles of Satan. We should ever be drawing nearer and nearer to God, for we need increased faith and a firm reliance on the help that God can give. These will make us a help and blessing to others. RH July 29, 1909, par. 1
I am so thankful that we have a faith that will stand the test of trial and opposition. As trouble in the world increases, the Lord's children will have to suffer; but the Word of God affords comfort and encouragement for such a time. Read the first and second chapters of First Corinthians; there are precious assurances here for the child of God. RH July 29, 1909, par. 2
Paul is speaking to his brethren in the faith: “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” RH July 29, 1909, par. 3
We have some understanding of what this waiting means. The testimony of the Spirit of God today harmonizes with that given through the apostle Paul. “God is faithful, by whom ye are called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” RH July 29, 1909, par. 4
The apostle continues, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” In our labors there is need of carefulness of speech, watchfulness of each action, that through the grace of Christ the responsibilities that have been placed upon us may be borne in the spirit of Christ. Christ would have us united in Christian fellowship,—a tie more binding than the ties of human kinship. He would have us take our stand upon a higher platform. Christ has pledged himself to work for us if we will take hold of him by faith. RH July 29, 1909, par. 5
We are now in the closing work of this earth's history. There is not a moment's time to be given to doubting. My brethren and sisters, let your faith increase. However discouraging appearances may be, believe that the Lord will work in behalf of his cause and his people. The Spirit of God is everywhere knocking for admittance to the hearts of men. God is caring for his work in every place. His children are the special objects of his care. If by faith we will accept the light God gives in messages of encouragement or reproof, and advance step by step in the right way, keeping our eyes steadfastly fixed on our Leader, light will shine along the pathway, the approval of God will stimulate us with hope, and ministering angels will co-operate with all our efforts. RH July 29, 1909, par. 6
Consider the estimate that Christ places upon those who follow his example: “Ye are the salt of the earth,” he says, “but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill can not be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” RH July 29, 1909, par. 7
These are wonderful lessons for us. Study them carefully, and profit by their instruction. A higher spiritual tone is required of us. The Lord would have us spiritually minded, that we may be able to see the working out of his plan in our lives. We are to be laborers together with God in accomplishing the work that he would have done. Wherever we are, we are to reflect light. RH July 29, 1909, par. 8
It is our privilege to gain precious victories day by day. Let us go forward in faith and hope and courage. Let us regard patience and kindness as sacred things which we must bring into every line of our work. Let us vindicate the greatness of the work by building up amiable, hopeful characters. This we can do through the grace of Christ. RH July 29, 1909, par. 9
We have no need to be sad and discouraged. The words and example of our Redeemer should bring us comfort and joy and strength to work his works. Let us reveal in our lives the fact that we are relying upon him who gave his life that we might not perish, but have everlasting life. Let us draw by living faith on the power of God. In no other way can we obtain the victory over the hosts of Satan. If by faith we will lay hold of the heavenly provision, the greatest powers in the universe will enable us to make complete our triumph over Satan and sin. RH July 29, 1909, par. 10
Thank the Lord that to human agencies is committed the grand work of extending the triumphs of the cross. Let us keep our eyes fixed on the mark of the prize. Let us not fail nor be discouraged. The words in favor of truth, spoken with the assurance that comes from the possession of a right purpose, and in cheerful hope, from a pure heart, will make angels rejoice. RH July 29, 1909, par. 11
“In that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. RH July 29, 1909, par. 12
“And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. RH July 29, 1909, par. 13
“Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.” RH July 29, 1909, par. 14
Let us keep our eyes fixed on the city of God, where the Prince of heaven will one day welcome his faithful ones. Let us think of him looking down upon our world, and watching with earnest desire those who are striving to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. When his work on earth is finished, he will welcome the righteous to the mansions he has prepared, and place on their heads the crown of the overcomer. RH July 29, 1909, par. 15