Abiding in Christ by E. E. Sturges

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 3, 1871

Abiding in Christ.

By E. E. Sturges

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7.

What blessed words of cheer to the toil-worn pilgrim as he journeys onward toward the better land. Here is an unfailing promise given to us by God’s dear Son. None need falter or grow weary in the way, or because of the way; for the Lord is more willing to give than poor faint-hearted mortals are to ask. We need not fear in the darkest night, when the black waves of sorrow surge around us, if we abide in Christ.

Asking we receive. The way is easy. Only ask for good, and if our will is submissive to his most righteous will, this blessed promise cannot fail.

God’s trusting children sometimes ask for things, and then feel unreconciled because they ask in vain; but as time advances, with grateful hearts do they thank Him that their petition was denied.

Fellow-traveler toward Mount Zion, do you believe in the promises of God? Then why so slow to present your petitions? Why so easily satisfied when great favors and blessings are in store for those that ask?

Souls are idly sleeping regardless of the weighty responsibility that rests upon them as God’s peculiar people. They have named the name of Christ, but how little do they exemplify his life and character. We are not the lights in the world that God would have us be. A few faint efforts after some soul-stirring meeting will not obtain for us the final victory. We must have a daily consecration, a fresh unction from on high that will fit us for the salvation of souls.

When I see God’s dear servants, who have long borne the burden and heat of the day, still laboring day and night, not counting their lives dear unto themselves, I inquire, Does God require all this at their hands, while scores of others bear no burdens, doing little or nothing to advance the cause of present truth, because their feeble efforts have heretofore proved fruitless?

Christ says, “The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me.”

There never was greater need of real burden-bearers than now. If we would stay up the hands of God’s servants, we must have the work go deep in our own hearts. If we are strong individually, if we abide in Christ, we shall feel the worth of precious souls for whom Christ died. We shall have the power of winning souls to Christ and thus add stars to our crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus.

E. E. STURGES.

Fairfield, Conn.