“Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.”YI March 23, 1893, par. 1

There are many youth who walk in darkness, and have no light. The reason for this is that they do not trust in the Lord and stay upon their God. They do their own pleasure, they walk in their own human wisdom. To fashion their lives after the simplicity of the Pattern, Christ Jesus, seems a hard thing to them. And while they do not want to be ranked with unbelievers and with the unrighteous, still they find no comfort in their half-hearted, divided service.YI March 23, 1893, par. 2

The Lord's hand has been reached out in tenderest compassion and love; but they do not care to trust him. They want to feel fully able to devise and plan for themselves. They walk in the sparks of their own kindling, therefore walk in darkness, and have no light. The Lord's voice is heard, saying, “Follow me.” “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” But like Saul, they want their own way. The Lord marks out a way in which he would have them walk. He has lent them talents to be used for his glory, to do a certain work for the Master; but Satan says, “I will countermand the order of Christ. I will find another line of work for active brain and busy hands, whereby they shall serve me. I will eclipse eternal interests before this youth, and attract his mind by worldly interests and when he is disappointed in one, I will thrust before him other attractions. I will blind his power to discern, that he may work against the advancement of truth. I will bind him about with worldly allurements like the finest threads, whose power to bind will become at last like ropes of steel, and he shall be bound in my service. I can lead him where I choose, and he will not discern that he is in hostility to Jesus Christ, my rival, and disloyal to God.”YI March 23, 1893, par. 3

Many are in self-deception, and enter into plans with which the Lord has nothing to do. But the only safe course to be pursued is to obey the word of the Lord. Instead of doing this, many propose to do wonderful things. They find it easier to plan some great thing for the future than to empty themselves of self, surrender to God heart, mind, and will, and submit to be molded by that power that can create and destroy. Let the youth critically examine their motives, by prayer and searching of the Scriptures, and see if their own will and inclinations do not lead away from God's requirements. Many say, “We will do this or that. I can do a good work in this way or that way;” but will you prayerfully consider as to whether you are following the Light of the world, or walking in the sparks of your own kindling? It is a perilous thing to walk in the sparks of your own kindling; for the word of God declares of those who do this, that they “shall lie down in sorrow.” In following your own way you will be disappointed. You will have no comfort. You will gain nothing yourself, and will have robbed God of the service due to him, because you insisted in trying your own way, saying, “I will work for God in this way,” when God had marked out another course. Your plans seem very plausible; but if they are not wrought in God, they will come to naught. The Lord would have his servants work out his plan; for then he can work with them. God requires obedience. “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” God will not tolerate stubbornness and rebellion; “for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”YI March 23, 1893, par. 4

Young men and women, inquire in your business relations, Am I where God would have me to be? Am I placing myself where I am liable to enter into temptation? Am I where I can discern the Spirit's teaching? Can I in my present employment enjoy the blessing of God in all its fullness? Am I in the line of my duty? The blessing of God will be upon those who are just where God's plans would have them be. Has the Lord given you light that he requires you to do a certain work? If so, it is not safe for you to be disobedient. Let there be serious thinking on your part. Ask yourself, Am I serving my Master, Jesus Christ? Or am I pleasing myself, and failing to please God, and to bring honor to his holy name?YI March 23, 1893, par. 5

Do you want to change this order of things without delay? Would you choose to serve God? Then Jesus invites you to believe. He says, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Let youth grasp the hand of infinite power. Faith grows by exercise. Feed upon the promises; be content to rely on the simple promise of God's word. Wait no longer in unbelief; for you are in danger of losing your souls. Christ says, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.” Discouragement will come, but do not give up praying. Genuine prayer is always heard; but the answer is sometimes delayed, that the suppliant may with intensity press his request. If we persevere, we shall gain experience of highest value, that will never be forgotten. None who wait on the Lord will ever be confounded. Sometimes the answer will come so manifestly that we shall be surprised. The blessing will bring gladness to our souls, and call forth praise to our God. We shall realize the fulfillment of the promise, “Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”YI March 23, 1893, par. 6

Young men and young women, take a definite, decided stand for the Lord. The Lord has a work for you to do. “Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” Your soul is of value, or Christ would not have died to redeem it. It is your privilege to reach heights in spiritual attainments. “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” You that have once enjoyed the love of Jesus; and with moistened eyes and broken hearts have been witnesses for God, where are you today? God loves you. He came to our world to seek and save the lost. He will restore unto you the joys of his salvation. You once avowed yourselves to be the Lord's, and the sweet peace of Jesus pervaded the soul. You did taste, and testified that the Lord is good. But you did not follow the requirements of God. You failed to live up to the light; yet Jesus loves you still. Come and seek the Lord just as you are, and do not be discouraged and think you are forsaken of God and man. In the place of walking in the sparks of your own kindling, walk in the light of heaven. “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” Let him wait upon the Lord. Let him follow Jesus, the light of the world; for he has said, “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”YI March 23, 1893, par. 7

Mrs. E. G. White

March 9, 1893

March 30, 1893