Faith
131
experience like that of the foolish virgins, who did not supply oil for
their lamps, and their light went out. Faith should be cultivated. If it
has become weak, it is like a sickly plant that should be placed in the
sunshine and carefully watered and tended.—Lt 97, 1895.
Faith Rises Above the Shadows—When clouds come between
your soul and God, when all around you is dark and forbidding, when
the enemy stands ready to rob the soul of its integrity to God and the
truth, and when error stands out plausible and attractive, then it is
time to pray and exercise faith in God.... Cherishing faith, the soul is
enabled to rise beyond itself and penetrate the hellish shadow which
the enemy casts athwart the pathway of every soul that is striving for
an immortal crown.—Lt 30, 1896. (HC 126.)
Faith Rests Upon Evidence—The word of the Lord, spoken
through His servants, is received by many with questionings and fears.
And many will defer their obedience to the warning and reproofs given,
waiting till every shadow of uncertainty is removed from their minds.
The unbelief that demands perfect knowledge will never yield to the
evidence that God is pleased to give. He requires of His people faith
that rests upon the weight of evidence, not upon perfect knowledge.
Those followers of Christ who accept the light that God sends them
must obey the voice of God speaking to them when there are many
other voices crying out against it. It requires discernment to distinguish
the voice of God.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:258
(1873).
We should know for ourselves what constitutes Christianity, what
is truth, what is the faith that we have received, what are the Bible
rules—the rules given us from the highest authority. There are many
who believe, without a reason on which to base their faith, without
[536]
sufficient evidence as to the truth of the matter. If an idea is presented
that harmonizes with their own preconceived opinions, they are all
ready to accept it. They do not reason from cause to effect. Their faith
has no genuine foundation, and in the time of trial they will find that
they have built upon the sand.—Lt 4, 1889.
Faith Should Be Expressed—If we would give more expression
to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have—
the great mercy, forbearance, and love of God—we would daily have
greater strength. Have not the precious words spoken by Christ, the
Prince of God, an assurance and power that should have great influence
upon us, that our heavenly Father is more willing to give the Holy