EGW
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ whom having not seen, ye love: in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” RH January 28, 1890, par. 1
The word of God is filled with precious consolation for those who walk in simplicity and humility. We may have close relationship with God, and may understand his will concerning us. We should not dishonor God in this world, and be found doing less than our best every day; because if we do less than this, we not only suffer loss ourselves, but we detract from the glory that should be reflected to God in what we might do for humanity. We have a large field in which to labor. We cannot inclose ourselves in the four walls of our dwelling, and think that we are doing all that God requires of us. Our work is to bless others, and it is to be far-reaching in its results. Our hearts must be open to receive the Spirit of God, that we may have a constant witness that our ways please him. By living faith we are to lay hold of the promises that he has given in his word. We are to be the recipients of the treasures of God's grace, we are to drink of the living waters and be refreshed, and then we are to become the channel of the grace of God to others. RH January 28, 1890, par. 2
We should seek earnestly to be in a position where we can appreciate the value of souls, and realize that we are required to do the will of our Heavenly Father. I am not to look to see what somebody else is doing, but I am to see that I am doing my part faithfully. There is a blessed work for each one of us to do, but we cannot do it as we should unless we are in right relation to God. In our imperfection of character, in our great need and helplessness, we must come to the foot of the cross, and as the light shines into our hearts from Calvary, we shall be able to reveal to others the great plan of redemption. The love of God is without a parallel. It is marvelous. And if we are rightly related to God, we shall be the recipients of this love, and we shall let it flow out to others around us. RH January 28, 1890, par. 3
It is not the will of God that we should walk in darkness, that we should go along in a groveling way toward the kingdom of glory. We are not to feel that everything is going to destruction. We have a Father at the helm; and knowing that the hand of infinite power is over God's work, we may have living faith that it will be brought to a triumphant completion. Temptations and trials will come. The apostle says, “Though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.” Temptations will come in the most unexpected manner to test us, to determine what is our real faith, our real motive, our real principle. There is nothing for which I have more reason to thank my Heavenly Father than for the manifold trials I have experienced. If my course had been all smooth, without difficulty, without trial springing upon me, I might think, perhaps, that I was not a child of God. As long as the enemy lives, he will seek to cast his hateful banner over us; he will seek to eclipse our views of God, of heaven, of immortality, to becloud our minds, so that we shall not be able to discern spiritual and eternal things. RH January 28, 1890, par. 4
When trials come upon us until it seems that our souls will be overwhelmed with darkness and doubt, the best thing that we can do is to commit our souls unto God as unto a faithful Creator. It is impossible for us to adjust things. In my own case, I know that it is impossible for me to carry all the difficulties and trials that arise in my pathway. So what shall I do?—I will rest in the arms of the infinite One. I will believe that God will keep that which I have committed to him against that day; and if I walk in the light as God gives it to me, difficulties will vanish, and trials will serve a good purpose. Trials have driven me closer to my Heavenly Father, and have made me feel the necessity of earnest prayer. RH January 28, 1890, par. 5
When trials come upon you, you have only one Source of strength. You need not pour your troubles into human ears; for it will do you little good. You may think it will help you, but there is only One who can give you comfort and strength. Jesus has said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” And how is he to give rest? He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” We are to find rest in wearing the yoke of Christ, in bearing his burden. RH January 28, 1890, par. 6
When we feel destitute of the blessing of God, feel there is no spiritual life in us, and we cannot understand why we are in this condition, we should not doubt the Lord, and blame him for our darkness. It is not from God, for he has promised power and fullness of joy. We should search God's word, and see if we have not allowed envy, evil surmising, and hatred to run riot in our hearts, or if we have not done something to mar the soul temple. Christ is in the heavenly sanctuary, and he is there to make an atonement for the people. He is there to present his wounded side and pierced hands to his Father. He is there to plead for his Church that is upon the earth. He is cleansing the sanctuary from the sins of the people. What is our work?—It is our work to be in harmony with the work of Christ. By faith we are to work with him, to be in union with him. RH January 28, 1890, par. 7
All heaven is interested in the work that is going on in this world. A people is to be prepared for the great day of God, which is right upon us; and we cannot afford to let Satan cast his shadow across our pathway, and intercept our view of Jesus and his infinite love. We should draw from Christ the very help we need. And when do we need his help?—It is in times of trial, in times when temptation comes in like flood, when Satan would cast his dark shadow before our souls, that we may not be able to distinguish the sacred from the common. It is then that we need to flee to the Source of our strength. RH January 28, 1890, par. 8
The reason we do not receive more strength is, that we do not respond to the invitation of Christ. You should go right to him in your difficulties and trials, that you may find the comfort and consolation he is ready to bestow. It is because you do not seek the rest which Jesus is waiting to give, that you walk in the valley of the shadow of death. RH January 28, 1890, par. 9
I feel grateful to God that he is my helper in every trial, and that he will be your helper if you desire it. He is no respecter of persons. He is just as willing that you should have his consolation and peace as that I should have it. He invites you to walk in the light as he is in the light. Will you do it? Will you separate your soul from all that is unlike him, from all sin and darkness, and from all associations that lead into darkness? Will you open your heart to the living rays of light that will shine from the face of Jesus into your soul? There is no reason why you should be in a condition of despair and discouragement. Come out of it, brethren; come out of darkness into light. The word of God is open to you, a field of precious promises. It is your privilege to come to the fountain of life which has been opened for you at infinite cost. Will you come? It will be refreshing to your soul. When you drink of its living waters, you will find that you no more have dismal, gloomy days; for the peace of Christ that passeth all understanding will fill your hearts. Jesus says, “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” RH January 28, 1890, par. 10