Chapter 15—The Trial of Our Faith
In this time of trial we need to be encouraged and comforted by one
another. The temptations of Satan are greater now than ever before,
for he knows that his time is short, and that very soon every case
will be decided, either for life or for death. It is no time now to sink
down beneath discouragement and trial; we must bear up under all
our afflictions, and trust wholly in the Almighty God of Jacob. The
Lord has shown me that His grace is sufficient for all our trials; and
although they are greater than ever before, yet if we trust wholly in
God, we can overcome every temptation, and through His grace come
off victorious.
If we overcome our trials, and get victory over the temptations of
Satan, then we endure the trial of our faith, which is more precious
than gold, and are stronger and better prepared to meet the next. But
if we sink down and give way to the temptations of Satan, we shall
grow weaker and get no reward for the trial, and shall not be so well
prepared for the next. In this way we shall grow weaker and weaker,
until we are led captive by Satan at his will.
We must have on the whole armor of God, and be ready at any
moment for a conflict with the powers of darkness. When temptations
and trials rush in upon us, let us go to God, and agonize with Him in
prayer. He will not turn us away empty, but will give us grace and
strength to overcome, and to break the power of the enemy. Oh, that
all could see these things in their true light, and endure hardness as
good soldiers of Jesus! Then would Israel move forward, strong in
God, and in the power of His might.
God has shown me that He gave His people a bitter cup to drink, to
purify and cleanse them. It is a bitter draft, and they can make it still
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more bitter by murmuring, complaining, and repining. But those who
receive it thus must have another draft, for the first does not have its
designed effect upon the heart. And if the second does not effect the
work, then they must have another, and another, until it does have its
designed effect, or they will be left filthy, impure in heart. I saw that
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