Faith and Courage by E. K. SLADE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 19, 1910

Faith and Courage

By E. K. SLADE

E. K. SLADE

Perhaps no other elements of character are more needed by the people of God than faith and courage, and the two usually go together. A tremendous work lies before us. Not one of God's workers in these days escapes the frequent experience of looking upon a seemingly impossible task, and of having before him a work so gigantic in its proportions that he is made to feel that the task is altogether too great. We are facing that situation in our work on every hand. The financial responsibilities resting upon this denomination are of such a character. The great unworked fields of the world present a task far too great for human strength or for human accomplishment.

The cities in which we have done so little present a field of work that would require many years for us to perform at our present progress. As we view the fields and consider the great things to be done in connection with the work of God, we are made to realize more and more our need of divine aid. It is so easy for us to forget that we are to be the helping hands of One who is mighty in wisdom and strength, and who possesses abundant resources for the accomplishment of his will. One who is limping along, faintly realizing this, without exercising living, definite faith in the presence and power of God, is not living up to his opportunities. He is sure to become a discouraged man; and what can a discouraged man accomplish at anything?

The Lord “made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.” He has also placed on record a sufficient account of his ways and acts to make his children in these days intelligent in regard to his attitude toward his people and his work in their temporal, every-day experiences. Israel was favored by many remarkable deliverances and God's special protection and care. The experiences they passed through are typical of much that will be experienced in the spiritual career of Israel in the last days. As their successful march from Egypt to Canaan depended upon their faith and trust in a mighty leader, so will our successful journeyings in these days depend upon our leaning upon divine aid. The advance of God's work is not to be retarded by hard times, unfavorable conditions, or the difficulties to be encountered. It depends upon the faith and courage of his chosen instrumentalities. The heavenly resources are limitless, and the only restriction is our failure and our faithlessness. Never was there a time in which the children of God needed more to pray than in this time.

Faith is a characteristic that will be especially prominent in the church of God in these days. Let us not repeat the sin that Israel committed at one time when it is recorded of them that “they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” Ps. 78:41. This they did when they faced that journey in a desert land which led them to fear that they would die of starvation. In regard to this experience it is recorded of them, “Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?” God is not to be limited in his willingness to provide all that is needful for those who faithfully take up the task committed to them, and this should be understood thoroughly by his people in these days. Such an understanding, with a living faith in such a God, will inspire the courage that we all need.

Holly, Mich.