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The Stronghold of Israel

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 26, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 34.

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The Stronghold of Israel

By Emma Nulton

EMMA NULTON
“O THAT men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” How our hearts thrill with thanksgiving and joy as we read the reports of the work being done all over the vast harvest-field! How wonderfully the God of Israel is opening the way and leading his people upon the earth to-day as in ancient times, knowing full well that success depends now as then upon implicit obedience and unwavering faith and confidence! God’s promises are sure; they can not fail. They are so numerous and so great that often we stagger at their magnitude. Our part is simply to fulfil the conditions, placing ourselves in proper relationship to his divine will, and his blessings and care will follow as surely as day follows night. We know success is ours if we are true to him. Studying the life and downfalls of ancient Israel, we find them, while weak and helpless, seeking divine guidance, and willing—anxious—to obey and follow his precepts and commands. But with returning strength and prosperity would come self-reliance and a turning away from the instructions of Jehovah. Then how rapid and complete was their fall!
Nations have repeated, and are repeating, like history. In individual life, both past and present, how often a spiritual fall has quickly followed a time of prosperity and strength! With what words can such ingratitude to the Giver of all things be expressed! We wonder often why greater results do not attend our efforts. Far greater wonder is it that all prosperity is not withheld because of our lack of faith and gratitude.
As success marks our advance, O how greatly we all need divine guidance! How truly the leaders in Israel need to humble themselves before God that no seeds of human self-importance may spring up and grow.
With godly wisdom comes spiritual and physical strength. He is our strength and shield. Surely we have nothing to fear so long as we make him our guide in all the affairs of life, doing well the part that is ours to do, no matter how small and obscure; for our God is no respecter of persons; the most lowly are as precious as the great. Life is such a priceless gift! It must be well worth possessing under all circumstances, else an all-wise God would not give it to us. It is ours to do well our little part; and the Lord will give to each one his just reward.
Dockton, Wash.