p. 107 | The Struggle by M. Wood

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 7, 1875

The Struggle.

By M. Wood

“WE wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph. 6: 12. Paul, looking forward through the gospel dispensation, evidently saw while penning these words of inspiration that the life of the Christian would be a continual warfare, a life of many trials and tribulations, such as many of the most eminent saints of God have passed through, but not alone. God has been with them to comfort and sustain. They have realized the truth of the promise: “He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee,” and the truth of these precious words: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” As all Christians are soldiers, fighting the battles of the Lord, they need fresh and constant supplies of God’s grace, to enable them to come off victorious in the struggle for eternal life. We should therefore comply with the admonition of the apostle Paul: “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

In addition to all the evil habits of our former lives, with our carnal principles and stubborn natures, we have a wily foe to contend with. He is to be continually watched and resisted. If he comes to us as he did to our first parents in the form of a serpent, craftily and cunningly to deceive us, or as a roaring lion to terrify and affright us, we can and must, with divine assistance, withstand him. He will tempt us to sin, and if we yield, he will immediately accuse us of our sin. He will represent sin as a trifle, and after it is committed he will tell us it is too great to be pardoned, that we may despair of being cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus. He will try to prejudice us against our brethren, and especially those at the head of the work, that he may mar our enjoyment, and prevent the progress of the present truth. Unless we are constantly on the alert, we shall be led astray and overcome. Our only security is in watching unto prayer, and in constant communion with the Holy Spirit. If we yield to the temptations of the enemy, wander away from God, and neglect the Bible and the open Fountain, Satan will soon prevail against us. Let us therefore cleave unto the Lord, seek wisdom from above, and endeavor to resist, steadfast in faith. Let us fight till we gain the victory; for the words of Jesus to Peter may apply to each of us: “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22: 31, 32.

M. Wood.