Without Strength by G. B. T.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1916

Without Strength

By G. B. T.

“When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom. 5:6. Salvation is for all. It is within the reach of those who are “without strength.” None can be weaker than this. “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” It is to those who have “no might” that he gives strength and salvation. To those who think they are strong and can work out their own salvation he cannot impart help. While man must work, he can do nothing toward saving himself. Salvation comes wholly from God. Our own works done with a view to helping toward salvation, hinder instead of help. This is illustrated by the following incident, which I give in the language of another:—

“One bright summer afternoon, some years ago, a party of ladies and children stood upon the wharf of a fashionable watering place, awaiting the arrival of a steamer that would bring their husbands and fathers. As they waited there, enjoying the refreshing breezes, their attention was suddenly attracted by a loud splash in the water, followed instantly by a piercing scream. As the startled crowd turned, they saw a young man struggling in the water. He could not swim, and in his frantic efforts to rescue himself, he was at each struggle getting deeper and deeper into the water, and farther from the shore.

“The ladies ran hither and thither to find help. They found only one person near that could render any assistance; he was an old sailor, who was standing motionless, watching the poor man drowning before his eyes. The entreaties of the ladies could not move him while he saw the young man trying to save himself. As his hand fell helpless at his side, his face told plainly that he had given up in despair. As he arose the first time, a feeling of horror came over the little company, who were to be the unwilling witnesses of his death. When all hope was gone, the sailor leaped into the water, and as the drowning man arose for the last time, seized him and bore him safely to shore.

“As the ladies gathered around him, he said, ‘I was compelled to wait until he ceased trying to save himself; for I could save him only when he was without strength.’”

So it is with us. We are continually struggling for salvation from sin. We try too often in our own strength to overcome; we fight and war for victory, and have it not, because we are not trusting wholly in Christ. But the moment we fully realize we are “without strength,” and fall helpless in his arms asking for deliverance, then the Lord can save us and bring us to the desired haven of rest. G. B. T.