Striving to Overcome by Sarah F. Sharpe

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 30, 1858

Striving to Overcome

By Sarah F. Sharpe

From Sister Sharpe.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am trying in my feeble way to keep all the commandments of God, and I feel to thank and praise his name that he has led me in a way that I knew not of, and constrained me to turn from my evil ways, before it was everlastingly too late. I often mourn over my own lukewarmness and unfaithfulness, and in the bitterness of my heart exclaim with the Psalmist, O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. If it was not for the precious promises, I should feel almost discouraged at times, the darkness presses so heavily upon me, and the temptations of the enemy are so strong. But I think of what Christ has promised to them that overcome, and I know his grace is sufficient for me. And then I think what he has suffered for me, how he left the glory he had with the Father, and came here and led a life of suffering. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. Isa. liii, 5. Dear brethren and sisters, it encourages me when I think of these things. It makes trials and temptations seem as nothing. I feel willing to suffer with Christ if I may at last reign with him; I want to so live, that when Jesus comes to make up his jewels I may be among them, and be permitted with all the faithful to hear the welcome words, "Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Then I shall be satisfied."

I mean to try and hold out faithful, Be purified, made white, and tried; And gain an entrance to Christ's kingdom, O then I shall be satisfied!

I want to keep God's ten commandments, And fully in his word confide, And with his chosen, faithful children, To heaven at last be satisfied!

I want to stand upon Mount Zion, With the meek Lamb once crucified; And shout and sing his praise for ever, O then I shall be satisfied!

SARAH F. SHARPE. Green Spring, Ohio, Dec. 19th, 1858.