Chapter 29—The Victorious Life
Peace comes with dependence on divine power. As fast as the
soul resolves to act in accordance with the light given, the Holy Spirit
gives more light and strength. The grace of the Spirit is supplied to
co-operate with the soul’s resolve, but it is not a substitute for the
individual exercise of faith. Success in the Christian life depends
upon the appropriation of the light that God has given. It is not an
abundance of light and evidence that makes the soul free in Christ; it
is the rising of the powers and the will and the energies of the soul to
cry out sincerely, “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.”
I rejoice in the bright prospects of the future, and so may you. Be
cheerful, and praise the Lord for His lovingkindness. That which you
cannot understand, commit to Him. He loves you, and pities your
every weakness. He “hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in
heavenly places in Christ.” It would not satisfy the heart of the infinite
One to give those who love His Son a lesser blessing than He gives
His Son.
Satan seeks to draw our minds away from the mighty Helper, to
lead us to ponder over our degeneration of soul. But though Jesus sees
the guilt of the past, He speaks pardon; and we should not dishonor
Him by doubting His love. The feeling of guiltiness must be laid at
the foot of the cross, or it will poison the springs of life. When Satan
thrusts his threatenings upon you, turn from them, and comfort your
[110]
soul with the promises of God. The cloud may be dark in itself, but
when filled with the light of heaven, it turns to the brightness of gold;
for the glory of God rests upon it.
God’s children are not to be subject to feelings and emotions.
When they fluctuate between hope and fear, the heart of Christ is hurt;
for He has given them unmistakable evidence of His love.... He wants
them to do the work He has given them; then their hearts will become
in His hands as sacred harps, every chord of which will send forth
praise and thanksgiving to the One sent by God to take away the sins
of the world.
100