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The Desire of Ages
works were performed, the way was prepared for Christ’s personal
ministry.
He who blessed the nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous
of blessing us. But like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek
Jesus by the desire for some earthly good; and upon the granting of
our request we rest our confidence in His love. The Saviour longs to
give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He delays the answer to
our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our
deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that
leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we
are to trust ourselves wholly to His love.
The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he
should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request
was heard and the blessing granted. This lesson we also have to learn.
Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are
to trust in His promises. When we come to Him in faith, every petition
enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we
should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received
it. Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will
be realized when we need it most. When we have learned to do this,
we shall know that our prayers are answered. God will do for us
“exceeding abundantly,” “according to the riches of His glory,” and
“the working of His mighty power.”
Ephesians 3:20, 16
;
1:19
.
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