220
Selected Messages Book 2
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 Spirit to them that ask Him
than parents are to give good gifts to their children?
We should daily dedicate ourselves to God and believe He accepts
the sacrifice, without examining whether we have that degree of feeling
that corresponds with our faith. Feeling and faith are as distinct as
the east is from the west. Faith is not dependent on feeling. We must
earnestly cry to God in faith, feeling or no feeling, and then live our
prayers. Our assurance and evidence is God’s word, and after we have
asked we must believe without doubting. I praise Thee, O God, I
praise Thee. Thou hast not failed me in the performance of Thy word.
Thou hast revealed Thyself unto me and I am Thine to do Thy will.
Watch as faithfully as did Abraham lest the ravens or any birds of
prey alight upon your sacrifice and offering to God. Every thought
of doubt should be so guarded that it will not see the light of day by
utterance. Light always flees from words which honor the powers of
darkness. The life of our risen Lord should be daily manifested in us.
The Path to Heaven Narrow and Inconvenient
What is our path to heaven? Is it a road with every inviting conve-
nience? No, it is a path that is narrow and apparently inconvenient; it
is a path of conflict, of trial, of tribulation and suffering. Our Captain,
Jesus Christ, has hid nothing from us in regard to the battles we are
[244]
to fight. He opens the map before us and shows us the way. “Strive,”
He says, “to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will
seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (
Luke 13:24
). “Wide is the
gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there
be which go in thereat” (
Matthew 7:13
). “In the world ye shall have
tribulation” (
John 16:33
). The apostle echoes the words of Christ, “We
must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom” (
Acts 14:22
).
Well, is it the discouraging aspect we are to keep before the mind’s
eye? ...