Prayer and Faith
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Vine, we must continually draw sap and nourishment from the Living
Vine, for without the Vine we have no strength.
I asked the angel why there was no more faith and power in Israel.
Said he, “Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your
petitions to the throne, and hold on by strong faith. The promises are
sure. Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.”
I was then pointed to Elijah. He was subject to like passions as we
are, and he prayed earnestly. His faith endured the trial. Seven times
he prayed before the Lord, and at last the cloud was seen. I saw that
we had doubted the sure promises, and wounded the Saviour by our
lack of faith. Said the angel, gird the armor about thee, and above all
take the shield of faith, for that will guard the heart, the very life from
the fiery darts of the wicked. If the Enemy can get the desponding to
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take their eyes off from Jesus, to look to themselves, to dwell upon
their own unworthiness, instead of dwelling upon the worthiness of
Jesus, his love, his merits, and his great mercy, he will get away their
shield of faith and gain his object, and they will be exposed to his fiery
temptations. Therefore, the weak should look to Jesus, and believe
that they have faith, then they can exercise faith.