Yet the anguish that God's people suffer is not because they dread persecution. They fear that through some fault in themselves they will fail to experience the Savior's promise: I “will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world” (Revelation 3:10). If they prove to be unworthy because of their own defects of character, then God's holy name would be dishonored. LF 250.3
They point to their past repentance for their many sins and plead the Savior's promise, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me” (Isaiah 27:5). Though they are suffering anxiety and distress, they do not stop their earnest praying. They lay hold of God as Jacob laid hold of the Angel, and the language of their souls is, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” LF 250.4