Certain Victory Through Faith
By H. G. Thurston
Success Through Prayer Under Forbidding Conditions — None Debarred — How to Prevail
WHEN Jesus was dying upon Calvary, a penitent thief hung upon a cross at His side. As he beheld the Son of God nailed to a cross of wood, his faith accepted Him as the Saviour of men; and he prayed for life, and obtained forgiveness, and promise of a home in Paradise. What did that poor, unfortunate sinner do to gain life? What could he do? He gained victory and life by asking for it. That asking was his prayer — the pouring out of his sin-sick soul for righteousness and a place with his Lord in His kingdom. The victory gained by that dying man was secured in the only way such a victory ever could be secured. It never came to any man by purchase; for while all is required to "buy the field," the "all" is the entire surrender of self, and not the payment of gold or the works of penance. As victory came to that man in that awful experience, so it is gained to-day, by asking.199 The words of Jesus to the woman at the well in Samaria are plain. He said, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water." John 4:10. The victory so needed by all at this time is not a wave of excitement or a spasm of feeling brought to us by our surroundings. It is forgiveness of sin, and divine power over every evil thing, every day. Is it possible for a weak, struggling, tempted soul to become a victor? He may have little courage left. His former zeal in meeting trials is gone, and his frequent miserable failures lead him almost to question his own sincerity. Still, amid his surging doubts and fears and tears, he is struggling; for despair has not caused him to quit the battle forever. Through all this, there lingers in his heart one ray of hope that he may some day conquer, though now, like a bruised reed before an awful tempest, he is almost ready to perish. Poor, weak, trembling, falling brother, there is hope for you — yes, even victory for you. Go to God and tell Him all. Tell Him all the corruption of your heart, your stubbornness, your weakness, your lack of a desire for that which is pure and holy. If you do not feel like praying, stir yourself up to pray. The prophet presents in these words a true picture of a large number living to-day: "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon Thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee." Isa. 64:6, 7. Are you described in verse 6 — "filthy," "unclean," faded, and apparently lifeless in regard to doing anything good? The same prophet presents a similar sickening picture in chapter 1, verses 5 and 6. The seer on Patmos describes the remnant people before they have gained the victory as "wretched," "miserable," "poor, and blind, and naked," and not knowing it. Rev. 3:17. But some even of these will repent, and be victorious, and reign with Christ upon His throne. In Isa. 62:6, 7 we find a comforting recipe for every dissatisfied soul, longing for victory: "Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give Him no rest, till He establish, and till He make Jerusalem a praise in the earth." Because of her many and most abominable sins, Jerusalem had become a reproach, a byword, and a disgrace to herself and to her God. She went into captivity, but with the promise that when seventy years had passed, God would visit and restore her; yet though God had promised, His people were to pray for the fulfilling of His promise. Jer. 29:10-14. In verse 13, they were told how to seek God and search for Him and the fulfilment of His promise — "with all your heart." It may be that you are a disgrace to yourself, to your family, to your church and your God, and you cry out, "O that I were a changed man, regenerated, born again!" Well, good news, brother! He can change you. Do you long to be free from your evil speaking, evil surmising, hateful words that wound others so deeply, your wicked temper, envy, strife, hatred, and every other loathsome thing? If you will ask Him, He will "cause you to walk" in His way. Eze. 36:27. Elijah prayed earnestly, and rain was withheld until famine spread its horrible mantle over the land. Then began a reformation, and that grand old prophet went before God and begged for rain. He cast himself upon the earth, and while his servant went to the top of the mountain, Elijah prayed to God. The servant returned with the word that he saw no sign of rain. He went six times for a token. The prophet prayed on, undaunted by each discouraging report; and the seventh time, the token appeared. VICTORY OVER EVERY BESETMENT
Have you asked God for victory over some besetment? Keep your petition before His throne of grace and power, and "give Him no rest" till He fulfils His great promises in you. What others have gained by earnest, persevering prayer for victory, you too may have for your joy. As the widow of Luke 18:1-5 obtained, by asking, what she so much desired, so you may win in the struggle for victory if you but persevere in prayer. Abraham gained the great victory of his life upon Mount Moriah when he offered up his son Isaac, the dearest idol of his heart. If you really prize victory above any earthly tie or treasure, you may obtain a daily victory as you sweetly commune with God in secret; and this victory will culminate in rest that will be glorious. The Saviour bids all hide their weaknesses and deficiencies in Him. He prayed earnestly in the days of His flesh, and He overcame. Heb. 5:7. We must overcome as He overcame. Rev. 3:21.