Our Source of Power by A. J. Howard

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 23, 1902

Our Source of Power

By A. J. Howard

A. J. HOWARD

“Power belongeth unto God,” but just for the asking we may share all that belongs to our Father. He comes to us with the gracious promise: “Ask, and it shall be given you. . . . If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

The powerlessness and poverty of those having the last warning for the world is expressed quite forcibly in James: “Ye have not, because ye ask not.” Neglect of prayer is the only feasible reason why we as Christians have so little power to move the people to-day. Fruit comes from sowing. Good seed sown, without the rain—the latter rain—from heaven will not germinate, even in seemingly good soil. It must be watered by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes in answer to earnest prayer. Has God not placed his own infinite power at our “demand and reception”? “Ask, and ye shall receive.”

Many in the past have believed and received power; for we read of the power of God with the early Christians. See the fruit of Peter and John’s work: “The Lord added to the church daily.” “Many of them which heard the word believed,” “multitudes both of men and women.” Did these men not have most determined, bitter, and relentless opposition, compared with which ours is as child’s play?

The apostle explains their source of power with the people: “We will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” This power was not confined to the leaders alone, but to the rank and file, as pictured in Acts 2:44-47; 8:4.

The secret of this fullness of life and power is expressed in the words, “They continued steadfastly in prayers.” This course pleases God. “Call upon me . . . I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” Our strength is in him. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; . . . they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” We who are too busy in the Lord’s work to pray often, are too busy to have much power to accomplish his purposes toward us, and for the people. We have not, because we ask not.

The record of the real doers in church work shows them to be real pray-ers also. Faith begets prayer, prayer begets works. James 2:18. Effectual, fervent prayer is only limited by what God can do. This source of power brings to us the true knowledge of ourselves and our needs. We must know our weakness and selfishness. Rom. 7:18. It caused Isaiah to cry, “I am a man of unclean lips.” Moses saw it when he met the Lord at the burning bush. It was after Job met God, and saw himself (Job 42:5, 6, 10, 12) that he had power to intercede for his friends, and bear abundant fruit. This power comes only in prayer.

Sins, secret or known, have marred many a soul’s life for years, release being found only by going to God in earnest prayer. Sins seemingly uncontrollable are rooted out by the prayer of faith, which brings in the Holy Spirit to set us free from sin’s power.

Prayer establishes our goings in his paths. Ps. 17:5.

Prayer controls the tongue. Man cannot tame it (James 3:8), but God can and will if we ask in faith.

Prayer brings wisdom. James 1:5. The wisdom of God awaits us. His own infinite wisdom is at our disposal. Shall we stumble on in our foolishness, lacking wisdom simply because we do not ask? O, the joy of knowing and walking in God’s way! The blessed Holy Spirit teaches the way. Prayer opens blind eyes. Ps. 119:18. It is wonderfully precious to see the Word of God open up to one who looks to him in earnest, believing prayer. The Holy Spirit is the only infallible interpreter of the Word. Do we not need the Holy Spirit in these days of “isms” and theories of worldly wise men. None but those whose minds are enlightened by the Holy Spirit and prayer can understand the Bible.

It is said that John Welch spent one third of his life in prayer, often whole nights. Prayer is a mirror by which God’s life and glory are reflected into the soul, transformed from glory to glory. 2 Cor. 3:18.

Prayer brings the fullness of power into our work. Acts 4:24, 31-33. Constant holding on brings success. Luke 18:1. Many of us would be lifted out of ourselves by earnest prayer.

Through prayer comes power to help others, though they themselves may not sense their condition. 1 John 5:16. It brings conversion and salvation to our friends. Shall we not call upon God till he visits us as a people by the mighty outpouring of his Holy Spirit?

“Wait on the Lord.”