Almost Discouraged by John Hackett

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 4, 1875

Almost Discouraged.

By John Hackett

I AM always sorry to hear one who is trying to lead a Christian life, say, “I am almost discouraged.” The words seem to imply that the enemy has almost got the advantage over him; for it is his work to discourage as many as he can, and induce them to give up the service of God. He attacks the young especially by presenting to them the hardness of the way in contrast with the pleasures and allurements which the world offers.

Let us see if we have any just cause for becoming discouraged in this work. In the first place, we believe it is God’s purpose that we should serve him, and that it is Satan’s purpose that we should disobey God and dishonor him, thus bringing destruction upon ourselves. One of the attributes of God is justice, and we cannot believe that he would require of us more than we are able to perform. But, says the desponding one, we have a wily foe to contend with, besides our own evil natures. This is true; but Christ came into the world that he might deliver his followers from the power of Satan. If Satan is strong, God is stronger; and he has given us the precious promise that we shall not be tempted above what we are able to bear. We are also told that with every temptation a way of escape will be provided.

Help to successfully overcome the trials of life is one of the “good gifts” our Heavenly Father has promised us. And since he has manifested his love in such a wonderful manner as to give his Son to die for us, can we not believe that he will, as the apostle assures us, “with him freely give us all things?” Oh! the love and condescension of our Heavenly Father! While we were yet sinners, and merited only destruction, he sent his Son to die for us, that through him we might inherit all things.

And again let us ask, what shall we gain by yielding to discouragement? God has promised that those who overcome shall inherit eternal life. And we know that his promises are sure. But what does Satan offer those who serve him? A few short years of fleeting pleasures, and then what? O reader, stop and consider! The pleasures of sin are detrimental to health and carry a sting with them. And can you trust your paymaster? You may be permitted to enjoy several years of sinful pleasure, and you may have not even one; but whether few or many, will it pay?

We have no cause, then, for discouragement, since they that are for us are more than they that are against us; and sinful pleasures will not pay, because if we continue in them we shall be eternally lost. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” And we shall be “more than conquerors through Him that loved us.”

JOHN HACKETT.