“The Time of Trouble”
513
to excuse or conceal their sins, and permit them to remain upon the
books of Heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by
Satan. The more exalted their profession, and the more honorable the
position which they hold, the more grievous is their course in the sight
of God, and the more sure the triumph of their great adversary. Those
who delay a preparation for the day of God cannot obtain it in the time
of trouble, or at any subsequent time. The case of all such is hopeless.
Those professed Christians who come up to that last fearful conflict
unprepared, will, in their despair, confess their sins in words of burning,
anguish, while the wicked exult over their distress. These confessions
are of the same character as was that of Esau or of Judas. Those who
make them lament the result of transgression, but not its guilt. They
feel no true contrition, no abhorrence of evil. They acknowledge their
sin, through fear of punishment; but, like Pharaoh of old, they would
return to their defiance of Heaven, should the judgments be removed.
[621]
Jacob’s history is also an assurance that God will not cast off those
who have been deceived, and tempted, and betrayed into sin, but who
have returned unto him with true repentance. While Satan seeks to
destroy this class, God will send his angels to comfort and protect them
in the time of peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined,
his delusions are terrible; but the Lord’s eye is upon his people, and
his ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of
the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring
them forth as gold tried in the fire. God’s love for his children during
the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days
of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in
the furnace fire; their earthliness must be consumed that the image of
Christ may be perfectly reflected.
The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith
that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger,—a faith that will not
faint, though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to
prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and
determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate
prayer. All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as he did, and be
as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded.
Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray
long and earnestly for his blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with
God—how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls