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Address to Ministers
447
Angels ministered to Jesus, yet their presence did not make
His life one of ease and freedom from severe conflict and fierce
temptations. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without
sin. If ministers, while engaged in the work which the Master has
appointed them to do, have trials and perplexities and temptations,
should they be discouraged, when they know that there is One who
has endured all these before them? Should they cast away their
confidence because they do not realize all that they expect from their
labors? Christ labored earnestly for His own nation; but His efforts
were despised by the very ones He came to save, and they put to
death Him who came to give them life.
There is a sufficient number of ministers, but a great lack of
laborers. Laborers, co-workers with God, have a sense of the sa-
credness of the work and of the severe conflicts they must meet in
order to carry it forward successfully. Laborers will not faint and
despond in view of the labor, arduous though it may be. In the
Epistle to the Romans Paul says: “Therefore being justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom
also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and
rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory
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in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and
patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not
ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by
the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” In Him are all the treasures
of wisdom and knowledge. We are without excuse if we fail to
avail ourselves of the ample provisions made for us that we might
be wanting in nothing. Shrinking from hardships, complaining un-
der tribulation, makes the servants of God weak and inefficient in
bearing responsibilities and burdens.
All who stand unshrinkingly in the forefront of the battle must
feel the special warfare of Satan against them. As they realize his
attacks, they will flee to the Stronghold. They feel their need of
special strength from God, and they labor in His strength; therefore
the victories they gain do not exalt them, but lead them in faith to lean
more securely upon the Mighty One. Deep and fervent gratitude to
God is awakened in their hearts, and they are joyful in the tribulation
which they experience while pressed by the enemy. These willing