p. 5 | Kept in Evil Times by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 11, 1909

Kept in Evil Times

By C. M. S.

THERE is no limit to the keeping power of God. Our being kept is not a matter of how much mental or physical strength we have, or how conducive our surroundings are to spiritual victories. It is a matter of obedience and faith. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee,” says Inspiration through the prophet Isaiah. As God is not circumscribed by environment, turned aside from his purpose by obstacles, or restricted in his operations because of the strength of the adversary, neither shall we be so long as we are in the direct line of his purpose concerning us. We may often find ourselves baffled, seemingly, when doing what we firmly believe to be God’s will. Such times are times for self-examination and earnest prayer. They show one of two things: we are out of the direct line of God’s purpose, or we are depending too much upon our own strength. We need to tremble when we are depending on our own strength; but the adversary is the one to tremble when he sees the saints of God panoplied with the promised strength of the Almighty.

Far too often we are possessed of a purpose or plan which we feel we must drive through on schedule, or disaster is certain. Frequently God permits such purposes or plans to be completely blocked; but the cause goes on. Often we pin our faith to men, and almost feel that the cause of God itself hangs upon them. They deny the faith, rail at its less conspicuous adherents, or God permits them to be laid away; but the cause sweeps on to higher ground and to new victories.

What is the lesson?—The cause of God is greater than the instruments he uses in carrying it on; the work of God is bound to triumph in spite of every loss, every obstacle, and the culmination of every antagonistic power on earth; and because this is a fact, he can keep and will keep every trusting soul, no matter how discouraging the prospect or how great the opposition. Were this not true, we would have every reason to look with greater dismal foreboding to the experiences that await the people of God. But such foreboding is no part of the true Christian’s business, because the reason for it does not exist.

It is true that the times are ominous; they are full of peril; but the peril is to those who have not fully identified themselves with the cause; it is to those who have not fully learned the secret of complete trust in God. Nothing is surer than that the triumph of God’s purpose over that of his adversary is certain and soon to be. To be fully identified with that work which brings God’s purpose for this earth to completion, is to have a part in that victory ourselves.

To have no other purpose than to serve God, gives the adversary of souls no hold upon us, and lifts us entirely out of his dominion. It is when we divide our affections, tightly clinging to the tinseled glories of earth with one hand and reaching for the things of eternity with the other, that we need to fear for our souls. It is of such that our Saviour speaks in these words: “No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9: 62. And no man, not fit for that kingdom, will ever enter the gates of the city of God.

To be triumphant in spite of the perils of the last days will require a trust that will not tremble, a faith that will not falter, a power not of earth, hands held in his hands who made and upholds the universe, feet that run only at his bidding, and eyes that look neither to the right hand nor to the left to lust after the things of earth. These things are the prerequisites of triumph, and they are every one possible through the help promised of Heaven. Says the Spirit through Paul: “May your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it.” 1 Thess. 5: 23, 24.

The apostle James, after depicting the perils of the last days, admonishes the children of God thus: “Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. . . . Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James 5: 7, 8. In view of the near approach of that great event and the perils that precede it, let us pray with David: “Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, and from the gins of the workers of iniquity.” While praying that prayer, let us not forget that God himself will not save us so long as our heart’s affections cling to the things of this life, and our eyes wander abroad over the earth, the yielded prey of the tempter.

C. M. S.