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Separation From the World
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let him ask in
faith
, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like
a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that
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man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.” This petition
for wisdom is not to be a meaningless prayer, out of mind as soon
as finished. It is a prayer that expresses the strong, earnest desire of
the heart, arising from a conscious lack of wisdom to determine the
will of God.
After the prayer is made, if the answer is not realized immedi-
ately, do not weary of waiting and become unstable. Waver not.
Cling to the promise, “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will
do it.” Like the importunate widow, urge your case, being firm in
your purpose. Is the object important and of great consequence to
you? It certainly is. Then waver not, for your faith may be tried.
If the thing you desire is valuable, it is worthy of a strong, earnest
effort. You have the promise; watch and pray. Be steadfast and the
prayer will be answered; for is it not God who has promised? If it
costs you something to obtain it you will prize it the more when
obtained. You are plainly told that if you waver you need not think
that you shall receive anything of the Lord. A caution is here given
not to become weary, but to rest firmly upon the promise. If you ask,
He will give you liberally and upbraid not.
Here is where many make a mistake. They waver from their
purpose, and their faith fails. This is the reason they receive nothing
of the Lord, who is our Source of strength. None need go in darkness,
stumbling along like a blind man; for the Lord has provided light if
they will accept it in His appointed way, and not choose their own
way. He requires of all a diligent performance of everyday duties.
Especially is this required of all who are engaged in the solemn,
important work in the office of publication, both of those upon whom
rest the more weighty responsibilities of the work, and of those who
bear the least responsibilities. This can be done only by looking to
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God for ability to enable them faithfully to perform what is right in
the sight of Heaven, doing all things as though governed by unselfish
motives, as if the eye of God were visible to all, looking upon all,
and investigating the acts of all.
The sin which is indulged to the greatest extent, and which
separates us from God and produces so many contagious spiritual
disorders, is selfishness. There can be no returning to the Lord