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Are we Overcoming?

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 30, 1871

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 37, No. 24.

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Are we Overcoming?

By C. M. Shepard

We want to overcome; but if we are not now overcoming, we are in the utmost peril. The overcomer's reward is so great that no earthly good or pleasure can in any way compensate for the loss of it.
But, says one, I have many temptations, cares, and trials, to hinder me. If it were not for this thing and that, I could train my mind to think of heavenly things more, and daily grow more and more like Jesus.
We read in the word of God that “all things shall work together for good to those who love God.” According to this, those things which seem to be contrary to us, or hindrances in our heavenward way, will all turn to our advantage.
Our Father is almighty, and would change our circumstances if our good demanded it; for he who withheld not his Son, his only Son, but freely gave him to die for us, is ever watching us with tenderest care, and, “no good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
It is our high privilege to stand upon his precious word, where we can rejoice in his free salvation, and in every trial come off conqueror. In the very situation in which our Heavenly Father has placed us, he requires us to overcome. His requirements are not unreasonable. His grace is sufficient for us. Sometimes I am tempted to think that I cannot perfect a Christian character in the circumstances that surround me. This is only a suggestion of Satan; and he is a liar.
My trust is in God. He has laid help upon One who is mighty, and with Paul I will say, I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.
We know that great trials are before us, and we must have courage and be victorious in the conflicts of to-day, that we may be stronger than we now are to meet the greater trials that are before us. I am thankful for the light that shines more and more, and for the exceedingly great and precious promises which are given to the overcomer. C. M. SHEPARD.