A Prayer-Answering God
By Julia A. Dayton
BRO. WHITE: I want to say a few words through the columns of the Review by way of encouragement to those who, having cast their bread upon the waters, have waited many days for a return; for I have abundantly proved that our God is a prayer-answering God, and that he ever stands waiting to be gracious. Come, dear sisters, take courage by the way and rejoice with me while I relate what the Lord has done for me and mine. About a year and a half ago I commenced to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. When I determined to do this, I knew that as far as the company of my family was concerned I must go forth alone; but I placed my trust in Him who is strong, and leaned upon Him who supports the weak. He regards the fall of a sparrow, and I knew he cared for me. I had reason to expect opposition and I was not disappointed; for it came; and I learned by sad experience how bitter the trial when one's foes become they of his own household. It seemed from time to time that Satan was using his utmost ingenuity to overthrow my faith and hedge up the way before me, still I continued to pray, sometimes in faith, sometimes almost doubting the power of God to save one who had gone so far. But I found the Lord gently clearing my pathway, and I was enabled by his grace to press onward even against opposing difficulties, until a few weeks ago I began to feel that the adversary was fast exhausting every malicious art, and I experienced such a burden of soul for the salvation of my family that it became almost my constant cry, "Lord, it is time for thee to work." My burden increased until it seemed that I should sink under it, when, lo! the Lord made bare his gracious arm, and was pleased through the word spoken by our dear Bro. Estes to send conviction to the heart of my companion and break the chain by which Satan had so long led him captive at his will. Think you it is not mine to say, Surely the Lord has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God? Yes, blessed be his holy name, he is not slack concerning his promises. You that have offered so many prayers which now seem unavailing, let me say to you, Look up! Have you not reason to continue in hope? Lo! Israel's God is near, and the fiery pillar moves, go on. And may he grant that in the homes where once disquiet and bitterness reigned, there may be erected the family altar, over which Peace shall spread her gentle wings, and round which you may gather in praises to our God, till with the church triumphant, we sing the song of Moses and the Lamb in his glorious courts above. Your unworthy sister, JULIA A. DAYTON.
Chesaning, Mich.