Faith and Overcoming by Mrs. H. P. Gray

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 11, 1886

Faith and Overcoming.

By Mrs. H. P. Gray

THE disciples, in their frail bark, tossed by angry winds and huge waves which it seemed would surely overwhelm them, saw the Saviour, who proved to be their deliverer. Through their faith in him, they reached the shore in safety. Had they turned from him in their necessity, they probably would have been lost. Our bark in life may be no less frail; calamities may hang over us, as did the dark and angry clouds over them; huge waves of trouble may rise before and round about us, and threaten disaster on every side; yet before us ever stands the crucified and risen Redeemer, into whose hands we may with confidence commit our all.

Are there vexatious trials day by day, that throw us off our guard till we lose the Spirit of Christ? it is but the angry wind that would thwart us in our purpose and keep us from the shore. The Redeemer, although hidden from view by our sins which stand between us and him, is waiting, ready to save. Is there some heart-trouble—some one proved treacherous, some wrongs that threaten to wreck our faith in humanity and so cause us to lose our hold on God? they are but the waves, hungry for our souls. But behold the Saviour is near, ready to help. He has been tempted in all points like as we are, and is able to succor them that are tempted. Yes; Jesus is just as able and willing to save now as he was then. How foolish would it have seemed for the disciples to reject him, and let the angry waves and winds take their lives. How much more foolish for us to turn from him! And yet we see many who fail to heed the, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."

Although the disciples had witnessed the wonderful miracle of the feeding of the multitude from the five loaves and two fishes, they "considered not," the Bible says; "for their heart was hardened." So, often, those who have tasted of the goodness of God consider not; for their hearts have become hardened, as were those of the disciples, by contact with the elements that surround them. Oh how the heart of the Saviour goes out after them, as it did after the disciples that night amid the storm and tempest! He says, "If ye will hear my voice, harden not your hearts." The wonderful words of life are reaching out after every one who will hear. Whosoever will may come and take of the water of life freely. How often the troubles and trials of life come around us till we are almost engulfed, and we cry, "Lord, save me!" Then his power, goodness, and mercy are forcibly brought home to us when all other sources fail. But how sad the fate of those who fail to lift their souls in agony to Him who alone is able to help in every time of need!

If anger arises in our hearts, then we are driven from God by the wind; for anger worketh not righteousness. If we give place to jealousy or envy, the waves are after us. If we are disobeying any of God's commandments, we are not overcoming as Jesus overcame; for he said, "I have kept my Father's commandments." Again he says, "Verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." So if we would reach the shore in safety, and enter the beautiful city, and be permitted to eat of the wonderful tree of life, we must not follow the tradition of men, but must truly put on Christ, and through faith in him, overcome as he overcame; for we are told, "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." It is of such that God has said, "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Rev. 14: 12.

MRS. H. P. GRAY.