Snares of Satan
441
trees, that spread their dark branches far and wide, shutting away the
sunlight from other plants, and causing them to droop and die under
the chilling shadow. The lifework of these persons will appear as a
never-ceasing witness against them. They are sowing seeds of doubt
and skepticism that will yield an unfailing harvest.
There is but one course for those to pursue who honestly desire to
be freed from doubts. Instead of questioning and caviling concerning
that which they do not understand, let them give heed to the light which
already shines upon them, and they will receive greater light. Let them
do every duty which has been made plain to their understanding, and
they will be enabled to understand and perform those of which they
are now in doubt.
Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that
it deceives those who are willing to be deceived, who desire to shun
the self-denial and sacrifice demanded by the truth; but it is impossible
for him to hold under his power one soul who honestly desires, at
whatever cost, to know the truth. Christ is the truth and the “Light,
which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
John 1:9
. The
Spirit of truth has been sent to guide men into all truth. And upon the
authority of the Son of God it is declared: “Seek, and ye shall find.”
“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.”
Matthew
7:7
;
John 7:17
.
The followers of Christ know little of the plots which Satan and
his hosts are forming against them. But He who sitteth in the heavens
will overrule all these devices for the accomplishment of His deep
designs. The Lord permits His people to be subjected to the fiery
ordeal of temptation, not because He takes pleasure in their distress
and affliction, but because this process is essential to their final victory.
He could not, consistently with His own glory, shield them from
temptation; for the very object of the trial is to prepare them to resist
all the allurements of evil.
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Neither wicked men nor devils can hinder the work of God, or shut
out His presence from His people, if they will, with subdued, contrite
hearts, confess and put away their sins, and in faith claim His promises.
Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret,
may be successfully resisted, “not by might, nor by power, but by My
Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”
Zechariah 4:6
.