EGW
By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Of ourselves we are utterly incapable of living a holy life. There are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striving to obtain this life. In despair they cry, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Let these desponding, despairing ones look up. The Saviour bids them arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe His Word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His Word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practise, the master-passion, which through long indulgence binds you soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is “dead in trespasses.” He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin. ST January 20, 1904, par. 1
The power of faith is shown by the miracle that Christ performed in healing the child possessed with a deaf and dumb spirit. “Master,” the father said to Jesus, “I have brought unto Thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; and wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him; ... and I spake unto Thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.” ST January 20, 1904, par. 2
Jesus asked, “How long is it ago since this came unto him?” The father told the story of long years of suffering, and, then, as if he could endure no more, exclaimed, “If Thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” “If Thou canst.” Even now the father questioned the power of Christ. ST January 20, 1904, par. 3
Jesus answered, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” There is no lack of power on the part of Christ; the healing of the son depends on the father's faith. With a burst of tears, realizing his own weakness, the father casts himself upon Christ's mercy, with the cry, “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” ST January 20, 1904, par. 4
Jesus turns to the suffering one, and says, “Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.” There is a cry, an agonized struggle. The demon, in passing, seems about to rend the life from his victim. Then the boy lies motionless, and apparently lifeless. The multitude whispers, “He is dead.” But Jesus takes him by the hand, and, lifting him up, presents him, in perfect soundness of mind and body, to his father. Father and son praise the name of their deliverer. The multitude are “amazed at the mighty power of God,” while the scribes, defeated and crestfallen, turn sullenly away. ST January 20, 1904, par. 5
“If Thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” How many a sin-burdened soul has echoed that prayer. And to all the pitying. Saviour's answer is, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” ST January 20, 1904, par. 6
It is faith that connects us with heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look not to self, but to Christ. He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men, is the same mighty redeemer today. Faith comes by the Word of God. Then grasp His promise, “Him that cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out.” Cast yourself at His feet with the cry, “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” ST January 20, 1904, par. 7
“If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed,” said Jesus, “ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove.” Tho the grain of mustard seed is so small, it contains that same mysterious life principle which produces growth in the loftiest tree. When the mustard seed is cast into the ground, the tiny germ lays hold of every element that God has provided for its nutriment, and it speedily develops a sturdy growth. If you have faith like this, you will lay hold upon God's word, and upon all the helpful agencies He has appointed. Thus your faith will strengthen and will bring to your aid the power of heaven. The obstacles that are piled by Satan across your path, tho apparently as insurmountable as the eternal hills, shall disappear before the demand of faith. “Nothing shall be impossible unto you.” ST January 20, 1904, par. 8
Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are to trust His promises. When we come to Him in faith every petition enters into the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it. Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most. When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered. God will do for us “exceeding abundantly,” “according to the riches of His glory,” and “the working of His mighty power.” ST January 20, 1904, par. 9
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