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Selected Messages Book 2
May Appear as Natural Course
God’s miracles do not always bear the outward semblance of mir-
acles. Often they are brought about in a way which looks like the
natural course of events. When we pray for the sick, we also work for
them. We answer our own prayers by using the remedies within our
reach. Water, wisely applied, is a most powerful remedy. As it is used
intelligently, favorable results are seen. God has given us intelligence,
and He desires us to make the most of His health-giving blessings. We
ask that God will give bread to the hungry; we are then to act as His
helping hand in relieving hunger. We are to use every blessing God
has placed within our reach for the deliverance of those in danger.
Natural means, used in accordance with God’s will, bring about
supernatural results. We ask for a miracle, and the Lord directs the
mind to some simple remedy. We ask to be kept from the pestilence
that walketh in darkness, that is stalking with such power through
the world; we are then to cooperate with God, observing the laws of
health and life. Having done all that we possibly can, we are to keep
asking in faith for health and strength. We are to eat that food which
will preserve the health of the body. God gives us no encouragement
that He will do for us what we can do for ourselves. Natural laws are
to be obeyed. We are not to fail of doing our part. God says to us,
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God
which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure”
(
Philippians 2:12, 13
).
We cannot disregard the laws of nature without disregarding the
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laws of God. We cannot expect the Lord to work a miracle for us while
we neglect the simple remedies He has provided for our use, which,
aptly and opportunely applied, will bring about a miraculous result.
Therefore, pray, believe, and work.—
Letter 66, 1901
.
A Case of Healing
A case was held up before me of_____, a minister; eighty miles he
was sent for, to pray for a sick sister who sent for him in compliance
with the teaching of James. He went and prayed in earnest, and she
prayed; she believed the minister to be a man of God, a man of faith.
Physicians had given her up to die of consumption. She was healed