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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
ness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of Me
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the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.
Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and Thou seest not? wherefore
have we afflicted our soul, and Thou takest no knowledge?”
A people are here addressed who make high profession, who
are in the habit of praying, and who delight in religious exercises;
yet there is a lack. They realize that their prayers are not answered;
their zealous, earnest efforts are not observed in heaven, and they
earnestly inquire why the Lord makes them no returns. It is not
because there is any neglect on the part of God. The difficulty is
with the people. While professing godliness, they do not bear fruit to
the glory of God; their works are not what they should be. They are
living in neglect of positive duties. Unless these are performed, God
cannot answer their prayers according to His glory. In the case of
offering prayer for Sister F, there was confusion of sentiment. Some
were fanatical and moved from impulse. They possessed a zeal, but
not according to knowledge. Some looked at the great thing to be
accomplished in this case and began to triumph before the victory
was gained. There was much of the Jehu spirit manifested: “Come
with me, and see my zeal for the Lord.” In place of this self-confident
assurance, the case should have been presented to God with a spirit
of humbleness and distrustfulness of self, and with a broken and a
contrite heart.
I was shown that in case of sickness, where the way is clear for
the offering up of prayer for the sick, the case should be committed
to the Lord in calm faith, not with a storm of excitement. He alone
is acquainted with the past life of the individual and knows what
his future will be. He who is acquainted with the hearts of all men
knows whether the person, if raised up, would glorify His name or
dishonor Him by backsliding and apostasy. All that we are required
to do is to ask God to raise the sick up if in accordance with His
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will, believing that He hears the reasons which we present and the
fervent prayers offered. If the Lord sees it will best honor Him, He
will answer our prayers. But to urge recovery without submission to
His will is not right.
What God promises He is able at any time to perform, and the
work which He gives His people to do He is able to accomplish by
them. If they will live according to every word He has spoken, every