Counsel to a Missionary in Africa
77
a knowledge of the truth, men who could have translated our books
into different languages. Every dollar expended in America in adding
building to building was needed in the fields that might have been
entered but were not because many of the workers sent to South Africa
were not sanctified. They were unable to take in the situation. They
were not willing to deny self, lift the cross, and follow where Jesus led
the way....
The greatest praise men can bring to God to exalt His sovereignty
is to make themselves consecrated channels through which He can
work. The Lord’s work is to be done, and He calls upon the members
of His firm to act their part as obedient servants. If they have been
fitted for service by the grace they have received, they are labourers
together with God, but if they have not received this grace, they will
be only hindrances. Through all the ages men have worked contrary
to God, as did Balaam, because they have brought selfishness and
covetousness into the work, leaving God out of their hearts and plans.
The angelic agencies are represented as eager and longing to bring
divine resources to human agencies for the conversion of souls that the
Lord may be glorified. But here are many men and women who are
not daily converted to God. They weave self and their own plans into
the sacred work, and they are hindrances. God could bless consecrated
human instrumentalities who are willing to let the divine influences
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use them to encircle the world, yet heaven waits while men get in the
way of His work with their own plans and methods. God says, Take
up the stumbling blocks; make room for Me to work; prepare the way
of the Lord and make His paths straight.—
Letter 183, 1899
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