Be of Good Courage
To those who are laboring in the South I would say: Be not dis-
couraged by the present feebleness of the work. You have had to
struggle against difficulties that have at times threatened to overcome
you. But by God’s help you have been enabled to move forward. If
all in our ranks knew how difficult it was in years past to establish
the work in places that have since become important centers, they
would realize that it takes courage to face an unpromising situation
and to declare, with hands uplifted to heaven: “We will not fail nor
become discouraged.” Those who have not broken the ground in new
and difficult fields do not realize the difficulties of pioneer work. If
they could understand God’s working they would not only rejoice
because of what has been done, but they would see cause for rejoicing
in the future of the work.
My brethren, there is no reason for discouragement. The good seed
is being sown. God will watch over it, causing it to spring up and bring
forth an abundant harvest. Remember that many of the enterprises for
soul saving have, at the beginning, been carried forward amidst great
difficulty.
I am instructed to say to you: Move guardedly, doing always that
which the Lord commands. Move forward courageously, assured that
the Lord will be with those who love and serve Him. He will work
in behalf of His covenant-keeping people. He will not suffer them to
become a reproach. He will purify all who yield themselves to Him,
and will make them a praise in the earth. Nothing else in this world
is so dear to God as His church. He will work with mighty power
through humble, faithful men. Christ is saying to you today: “I am
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with you, co-operating with your faithful, trusting efforts, and giving
you precious victories. I will strengthen you as you sanctify yourselves
to My service. I will give you success in your efforts to arouse souls
dead in trespasses and sins.”
Unswerving faith and unselfish love will overcome the difficulties
that arise in the path of duty to hinder aggressive warfare. As those
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