Basic HTML Version
Time of Trouble
295
seeks to destroy this class, God will send his angels to comfort and
protect them in the time of peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce and
determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord’s eye is upon his
people, and his ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the
flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner
will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire. God’s love for his
children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and
tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful
for them to be placed in the furnace fire; their earthliness must be
removed that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected.
The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith
[439]
that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger,—a faith that will not
faint, though severely tried. The period of probation is granted
to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was
persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power
of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God’s promises as
he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed
as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize
before God, to pray long and earnestly for his blessing, will not
obtain it. Wrestling with God—how few know what it is! How few
have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire
until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which
no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling
with unyielding faith to the promises of God.
Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger
of falling under the power of Satanic delusions and the decree to
compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test, they will
be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble,
because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons
of faith which they have neglected, they will be forced to learn under
a terrible pressure of discouragement.
We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving his
promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere.
We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect
communion with God. The deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial,
with his approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship
without it. We must take time to pray. If we allow our minds to
[440]