“…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…”
1 Peter 1:6-7 KJV
“Temptations and trials will come….in the most unexpected manner to test us, to determine what is our real faith, our real motive, our real principle.
The Review & Herald, January 28th, 1890, par.4
There is nothing for which we have more reason to thank our Heavenly Father than for the manifold trials we have experienced. If our course had been all smooth, without difficulty, without trial springing upon us, we might think, perhaps, that we were not children 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.
“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.”
Ibid, par.5
We know that it is impossible for us to carry all the difficulties and trials that arise in our pathway. So what shall we do?—We must rest in the arms of the Infinite One. We must believe that God will keep that which we have committed to Him against that Day; and if we walk in the light as God gives it to us, difficulties will vanish, and trials will serve a good purpose. Trials will drive us closer to our Heavenly Father, and will make us feel the necessity of earnest prayer.
“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.” Matthew 11:28. 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.”
Ibid, par.6
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.
Ibid, par. 7
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.
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.” John 8:12 KJV
Loud Cry Compendium
Loud Cry Compendium 