Faith in God by R. F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 7, 1871

Faith in God.

By R. F. Cottrell

THE great lack in men is the lack of faith. Hence they are fearful—they dare not trust in God. When duty is presented, they fear that if they obey, their worldly interests will suffer. They have a farm, a mill, a shop, or a store, on their hands, and they cannot see what will become of these interests, if they obey the truth, and keep the commandments of God.

Supposing they should lose, all these things, and become poor in consequence of obeying God; and, as the result, be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that God has promised to them that love him. Would they lose anything? Would they not rather be infinitely the gainers? Why is it that

“The mote of worldly interest fills the eye, And hides from view the worlds of bliss on high?”

Would it not be a happy exchange to give all of this world, and even life itself, for a portion in the world to come, and eternal life? Why do you hesitate, O you of little faith? Ah! it is because you do not confide in God and believe his promises. If you venture upon the promise of God, he is pledged that you shall lose nothing by it. But you dare not trust him! And so failing to trust in him, you insure a portion with “the fearful and unbelieving.” Rev. 21:8.

But your fears are false and groundless. You will not be left to poverty and woe, because you believe and obey God. His promise is pledged for all that you need in this life. Your Heavenly Father knows that you have need of these things. Seek first the kingdom of God, and the righteousness required by him, and all these things shall be added unto you. You shall receive a hundred-fold in the present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. The only obstacle is the want of confiding faith in God. It is better to trust in God, than to trust in the “uncertain riches” of this world. R. F. COTTRELL.