514
The Great Controversy 1888
drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on
the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express
sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the
promises of God.
Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger
of falling under the power of Satanic delusions and the decree to
compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test, they will
be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble,
because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons
[622]
of faith which they have neglected, they will be forced to learn under
a terrible pressure of discouragement.
We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving his
promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere.
We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect com-
munion with God. The deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial, with
his approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without
it. We must take time to pray. If we allow our minds to be absorbed
by worldly interests, the Lord may give us time by removing from us
our idols of gold, of houses, or of fertile lands.
The young would not be seduced into sin if they would refuse to
enter any path, save that upon which they could ask God’s blessing.
If the messengers who bear the last solemn warning to the world
would pray for the blessing of God, not in a cold, listless, lazy manner,
but fervently and in faith, as did Jacob, they would find many places
where they could say, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is
preserved.” [
Genesis 32:30
.] They would be accounted of Heaven as
princes, having power to prevail with God and with men.
The “time of trouble such as never was,” is soon to open upon us;
and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess, and
which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble
is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis
before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude
of the ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself
before God. Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in the land, “as I
live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter;
they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.” [
Ezekiel
14:20
.]