Lack of Consecration
11
Some have taken an injudicious course; they have talked their
faith to unbelievers, and when the proof was asked, they have read a
vision instead of going to the Bible for proof. I saw this course was
inconsistent, and it prejudiced the unbelievers against the truth, for the
visions could have no weight with them. They had never seen them,
and knew nothing of the spirit of them, and they should not be referred
to, in their case.
Prayer and Faith
When at Battle Creek, Mich., May 5, 1855, I saw that there was a
great lack of faith in the servants of God, as well as the church. They
were too easily discouraged; were too ready to doubt God; too willing
to believe they had a hard lot, and that God had forsaken them. I saw
that this was cruel. God had so loved them as to give his dearly beloved
Son to die for them, and all Heaven was interested in their salvation;
yet it was hard, after all that has been done for them, to believe and
trust so kind and good a Father. He has said he was more willing to
give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him, than earthly parents are
to give good gifts to their children. I saw that the servants of God
and the church were too easily discouraged. When they asked their
Father in Heaven for things they thought they needed, and because it
did not immediately come, their faith wavered, their courage fled, and
a murmuring feeling took possession of them. This I saw displeased
God.
Every saint that comes to God with a true heart, in faith, and sends
their honest petitions to him, will have their prayers answered. Their
faith must not let go of the promises of God if they do not see or feel
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the immediate answer of their prayers. Be not afraid to trust God. Rely
upon his sure promise, “Ask and ye shall receive.” God is too wise to
err, and too good to withhold any good thing from his saints that walk
uprightly. Man is erring, and although his petitions are sent up from
an honest heart, he does not always ask for the things that are good for
himself, or that will glorify God. When this is so, our wise and good
Father hears our prayers, and will answer; sometimes immediately, but
gives us the things that are for our best good and his own glory.
If the children of God could see his plan, they would know that
he gives them that which is for their best good. Although they may