Persistent Faith by Adolphe Monod

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jan 21, 1913

Persistent Faith

By Adolphe Monod

It always seems to us that the experience of others does not correspond exactly with our own. That which confirmed the woman of Canaan, that which made her conquer, was a resolution to rely upon the Lord and upon His word, whatever might be the consequence; it was an unwillingness to see anything, to hear anything opposed to her faith. Thus was she rendered capable of resisting, not only this trial or that, but all the trials that might come upon her. It was when everything had been tried, exhausted, and when she had been found not only unvanquished, but invincible, it was then that the Lord said to her: “O woman, great is thy faith.”

O, if she had lost courage before the close of the combat! if she had abandoned her hope, when there was but one step more to take! Perhaps you are at this very point. One more step—one more effort—one more prayer, and you will be saved. Do not say: It is a year, five years, ten years that I have been praying, and the Lord has not answered me; but say: The Lord can not reject me. Do not say: I have such and such evidence that the Lord will not answer me; but say: The Lord can not refuse me.

Arm yourselves, my brethren, with the faith of the woman of Canaan, with a faith that excites His admiration. Say to Him with Jacob: “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Lord Jesus, who commandest faith, and who crownest it, Thou art He also who givest it, and who, having given it, increasest it. We believe, Lord, help Thou our unbelief. Lord, increase our faith! Amen.—Adolphe Monod.