CHERISH FAITH by C. P. A. W.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 3, 1869

CHERISH FAITH.

By C. P. A. W.

Fear not the result of upright doing. Let faith in the overruling Power be so strong, that we falter not in the narrow way. Let our daily life be brightened by the firm belief that just what is best for us will surely be granted—not best, perhaps, in a mere worldly point of view, but best, as discipline necessary to prepare us for what lies in the future. As a careful parent strives to prepare his child for future usefulness, even so the all-wise Father is preparing us for eternity. Let us be watchful, lest we weakly shrink from the discipline, choosing rather to live in selfish indulgence, loving the pleasures of the present, more than the glories yet to be revealed; looking upon the blessed hope of life eternal as a shadowy hope, rather than one that becomes an unyielding anchor to stay the soul in the midst of raging life-storms. Struggle not against discipline Heaven ordained. The sufferings of the present can last but for a little season. They are only sent to work out the “exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

“Rejoice in hope.” Why sink into a state of despair when the shortcomings and failures of our lives array themselves before us? Through no merit of ours can salvation be granted. In only one way can we be delivered from this “body of death.” Faith in our Redeemer’s atoning blood is the one door where we may gain an entrance to the fold. Let us not sit in grieving wretchedness, feeling that we are outcasts for all eternity. Let us cast not away our confidence, whereby comes the hope of reward. C. P. A. W.