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Bring Your Troubles to God, September 30
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let
patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4
.
The Word does not say that we are to count it all joy when we fall
under temptation, but when we fall into temptation. It is not necessary
to fall under temptation, for temptation comes upon us for the trying of
our faith. And the trying of our faith worketh patience, not fretfulness
and murmuring. If we put our trust in Jesus, He will keep us at all times,
and will be our strength and shield. We are to learn valuable lessons
from our trials. Paul says, “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that
tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience,
hope ...” (
Romans 5:3-5
).
Many seem to think that it is impossible not to fall under temptation,
that they have no power to overcome, and they sin against God with their
lips, talking discouragement and doubt instead of faith and courage. Christ
was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. He said, “The
prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me” (
John 14:30
). What
does this mean? It means that the prince of evil could find no vantage
ground in Christ for his temptation. And so it may be with us....
When we talk discouragement and gloom Satan listens with fiendish joy,
for it pleases him to know that he has brought us into his bondage. Satan
cannot read our thoughts, but he can see our actions, hear our words, and
from his long knowledge of the human family he can shape his temptations
to take advantage of our weak points of character. And how often do we
let him into the secret of how he may obtain the victory over us
We must learn to come to God in any and every emergency, as a
child would come to its parents.... Don’t go to others with your trials and
temptations; God alone can help you. If you fulfill the conditions of God’s
promises, the promises will be fulfilled to you....You will have an anchor
to the soul both sure and steadfast
[280]
39
The Review and Herald, May 19, 1891
.
40
Ibid
.
287