HOPE IN GOD by John Q. Fox

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 10, 1867

HOPE IN GOD.

By John Q. Fox

It is the privilege of the humble follower of Jesus Christ, while on probation, sojourning in this vale of tears, tried and buffeted by the enemy, to be cheerful and happy. Like the traveler returning to his home after a long absence, buoyant and hopeful with the thought of soon seeing cherished friends, he may take courage and rejoice with joy inexpressible in view of the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory in reserve for him. What difficulties would not be overcome, what obstacles surmounted, what dangers braved by the former, to effect his purpose? And has the Christian less to inspire him with zeal and energy? Does the one feel sure of success, and has not the other still stronger reason to hope, when all Heaven is interested in his behalf, and God is pledged to render him every needed assistance? Can we not take God at his word? Do we not believe that what he has spoken he will also perform? Are we not sure that if we put our trust in him, lie passive in his hands, willing to go at his bidding, to spend and be spent in his service, do whatever he requires of us, that we shall be enabled by his grace to overcome? Yes, our confidence in God is unbounded. We know that he is not a hard master; and our shrewd enemy satisfied that our fortress is at this point impregnable, instead of being at all dismayed, with cunning ingenuity brings his artillery to bear upon us at another quarter. He arrays before us our sins, and diverting our minds from Heaven, our only source of strength, makes us feel our weakness and presses his darkness upon us, until we become discouraged, and seem to forget that it was sinners for whom Christ died, and that it is “not by might nor by power,” but by the Spirit of God and his grace that we are to overcome, and that it is only through the merits and intercessions of a compassionate Saviour that we can hope for pardon. And thus we grope our way on in darkness, until almost ready to yield to the suggestions of Satan and sink in despair, when, through the tender mercy of God, our minds are again turned heavenward, if perchance we are so fortunate as to recover ourselves from the snare of the Devil.

But I fancy our greatest danger is in not being fully decided. We have not made up our minds to have Heaven at any cost; are not really expecting to overcome and to attain unto holiness. We set our mark too low, consequently must come short. Perhaps we are not willing to let self die, and submit ourselves unreservedly to God.

In a thousand different ways is Satan seeking our destruction, and if he can only accomplish his purpose, little does he care in which of his snares we are taken. Whether we, from the leaks in our bark, become discouraged and cease our efforts to weather the storm, or, through stupidity and indifference, sleep on our oars, or recklessly take the fatal leap, our doom is equally certain, and Satan's object as surely gained.

But why will we not arouse ourselves and shake off this lethargy? this death-like stupor which we are assured is from Satan? Our all is at stake. The plagues of God's wrath are soon to be poured out, either to be shared or shunned by us. Eternal life with all its glorious realities is either to be gained or lost, and how can we be contented without a daily evidence of our acceptance with God. The story will soon be told, our destiny forever and unalterably fixed, and although it is a fact as true as it is solemn, that many who now profess the truth are to fall by the way, yet none need be discouraged. The reason is plain. God has not changed. The plan of salvation remains the same. The same Saviour pleads our cause, and now, as ever, we are requested to forsake all and follow Christ. Now the question to be decided is, Will we do this? This question is easily answered in the affirmative, but in no better way can we determine the decision of our own heart than by noticing how we are getting along to-day. How are present trials and difficulties borne, present duties discharged? and are we willing now to make a sacrifice? Let us examine ourselves closely, and may God help us to make thorough work and to rejoice in hope of final victory.

JOHN Q. FOX.

Madison Co., N. Y.