Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
The question is the scornful retort of the enemies of God and His people, thrown out when the faith of God's children is tried. They watch critically for such a moment, looking for a chance for Satan to wedge in with temptation by asking where God is now. It is also the triumphing taunt of nominal Adventists, where is their God, spoken when God's people suffer affliction. Satan brings sickness and the threat of death upon God's servants and their children, not as punishment for idolatry, to sadden their hearts and to provoke that mockery and thereby hinder God's work of publishing truth.
Those for whom God has done so much in love and mercy are expected to meet the trial with cheerful, trustful words that their God is in the heavens and does whatever He pleases. They are to look in faith to the Source of all might and power and to sing of His mercies rather than depending on useless idols.
The question is also a prayer to God not to let unbelievers mock with, where is now their God. It asks God to vindicate His own work and cause by working in power. That prayer means going forward in soul-saving work as co-laborers with God instead of yielding to Satan's discouragement, not failing nor being discouraged even when means are lacking and the conference is in debt. It means doing the human part to save poor perishing souls for whom Jesus died, while asking the Lord and expecting to receive according to His promise.
The question is the scornful retort of the enemies of God and His people, thrown out when the faith of God's children is tried. They watch critically for such a moment, looking for a chance for Satan to wedge in with temptation by asking where God is now. It is also the triumphing taunt of nominal Adventists, where is their God, spoken when God's people suffer affliction. Satan brings sickness and the threat of death upon God's servants and their children, not as punishment for idolatry, to sadden their hearts and to provoke that mockery and thereby hinder God's work of publishing truth.
Those for whom God has done so much in love and mercy are expected to meet the trial with cheerful, trustful words that their God is in the heavens and does whatever He pleases. They are to look in faith to the Source of all might and power and to sing of His mercies rather than depending on useless idols.
The question is also a prayer to God not to let unbelievers mock with, where is now their God. It asks God to vindicate His own work and cause by working in power. That prayer means going forward in soul-saving work as co-laborers with God instead of yielding to Satan's discouragement, not failing nor being discouraged even when means are lacking and the conference is in debt. It means doing the human part to save poor perishing souls for whom Jesus died, while asking the Lord and expecting to receive according to His promise.