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The Desire of Ages
Christ, and the carelessness with which they regarded the sacred work
committed to them, had caused their failure in the conflict with the
powers of darkness.
The words of Christ pointing to His death had brought sadness
and doubt. And the selection of the three disciples to accompany
Jesus to the mountain had excited the jealousy of the nine. Instead
of strengthening their faith by prayer and meditation on the words of
Christ, they had been dwelling on their discouragements and personal
grievances. In this state of darkness they had undertaken the conflict
with Satan.
In order to succeed in such a conflict they must come to the work
in a different spirit. Their faith must be strengthened by fervent prayer
and fasting, and humiliation of heart. They must be emptied of self,
and be filled with the Spirit and power of God. Earnest, persevering
supplication to God in faith—faith that leads to entire dependence
upon God, and unreserved consecration to His work—can alone avail
to bring men the Holy Spirit’s aid in the battle against principalities
and powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and wicked spirits
in high places.
“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed,” said Jesus, “ye shall
say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall
remove.” Though the grain of mustard seed is so small, it contains that
same mysterious life principle which produces growth in the loftiest
tree. When the mustard seed is cast into the ground, the tiny germ lays
hold of every element that God has provided for its nutriment, and it
speedily develops a sturdy growth. If you have faith like this, you will
lay hold upon God’s word, and upon all the helpful agencies He has
appointed. Thus your faith will strengthen, and will bring to your aid
the power of heaven. The obstacles that are piled by Satan across your
path, though apparently as insurmountable as the eternal hills, shall
disappear before the demand of faith. “Nothing shall be impossible
unto you.”
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