AUGUSTA C. BAINBRIDGE by Augusta C. Bainbridge

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 29, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 17.

AUGUSTA C. BAINBRIDGE

By Augusta C. Bainbridge

GOD'S PREPARATION FOR SERVICE. NO. 4.

Weakness.

WHILE we have learned that there is no good thing in self, we have yet to learn that we are powerless in the conflict with self. Rom. 7:18, 19. The ever-present will could not perform the good that it would. Those who, having learned this, go no farther, sink in despair, float indifferently with the current, or unite with Satan in open rebellion. Why is this?

The mistake comes from thinking that all depends on our efforts instead of accepting the truth that we are without strength, and all our dependence is upon God. Rom. 5:6, 21. The sinner learns the lesson when he first casts himself upon God's mercy, but he soon forgets it, and God tries again and again to bring it before him by a series of lessons in which he finds himself repeatedly suffering defeat, even continual captivity, as expressed in Rom. 7:23.

How would an army general view the situation?—He would say at once, “The enemy is too strong for me.” “But,” you say, “may I not grow stronger? Am I not commanded to grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18)? When I know the enemy more fully, will I not succeed in routing him?” We answer without a moment's hesitation, No! never, on your present line of effort. Your case is, and always will be, as far as your own strength counts, helpless.

If, tho, you receive God's Word in the place of your own impotence, and forever end this looking to your inherited or acquired tendencies for strength, it will bring rest and power to your soul. Together with that, you will recognize the strength of Christ, the indwelling Christ, who, to them that have no might, He increaseth strength. First, He gives it to them, and then keeps it increasing. Isa. 40:29.

Ceasing to struggle, you will know what it means to rest in Him, and this will be your song, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Ps. 27:1. Your life and your testimony will not lack power. Knowing you are without strength, you will rejoice in perfect strength. 2 Cor. 12:9. Every breath, every heart-beat will tell you that the strength is His in you. “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.” Eph. 3:16, 17.