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Christian Service
ting before them the assurance that they might become blameless, and
harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as
the children of God. Often He met those who had drifted under Satan’s
control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one,
discouraged, sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of
tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Oth-
ers He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary
of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they
would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them
the victory.—
The Desire of Ages, 90
.
[121]
The Combination of Spiritual Revival and Personal Work
When churches are revived, it is because some individual seeks
earnestly for the blessing of God. He hungers and thirsts after God,
and asks in faith, and receives accordingly. He goes to work in earnest,
feeling his great dependence upon the Lord, and souls are aroused to
seek for a like blessing, and a season of refreshing falls on the hearts of
men. The extensive work will not be neglected. The larger plans will
be laid at the right time; but personal, individual effort and interest for
your friends and neighbors, will accomplish much more than can be
estimated. It is for the want of this kind of labor that souls for whom
Christ died are perishing.
One soul is of infinite value; for Calvary speaks its worth. One
soul, won to the truth, will be instrumental in winning others, and there
will be an ever-increasing result of blessing and salvation. Your work
may accomplish more real good than the more extensive meetings,
if they lack in personal effort. When both are combined, with the
blessing of God, a more perfect and thorough work may be wrought;
but if we can have but one part done, let it be the individual labor of
opening the Scriptures in households, making personal appeals, and
talking familiarly with the members of the family, not about things of
little importance, but of the great themes of redemption. Let them see
that your heart is burdened for the salvation of souls.—
The Review
and Herald, March 13, 1888
.