Gods Sabbath

F AITH W ITHOUT W ORKS IS D EAT

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examine themselves in the light of His ways, they would soon learn the cause of their failures and the long delay in finish ing God’s work. As we learn more of God’s procedures, it would be well worth while to review the experiences of our own past in order to un derstand why our great faith has not produced results commen surate with the promises on which our confidence has rested. We have studied, believed the promises, and gone forth expect ing the Almighty to do great things for and through us. But in stead of wonderful blessings, only a paltry return has been re alized. This has lead many to conclude that the Lord does not really mean what He says. One writer gave expression to this in these words: “There is one critical question which is perpetually haunting the minds of many who are seeking to serve Christ in His Church today. It is a question we often suppress, because it makes us uneasy; but it is too fundamental to be ignored. If all the Bible says is true, why is our religion not accomplishing more? Why is it not effecting a more radical transformation of the human scene? Why are our own lives not being delivered more thoroughly from compromise and defeat? Why is there not created a Church aflame with faith, free from the scandal of di vision, and inspired in all its members with a consuming passion to bear witness to Christ? “... Why is there such a difference between the promise and the actuality as we know it in our lives and see it in the Church and in the world around?” A Faith to Proclaim , 137, by James S. Stewart. This man is echoing the cry which has ascended from count less despairing souls. The tragedy is that so few have found the answer. It is in understanding God’s ways that rest from defeat is found, and instead a new life which will be like that of our di vine Pattern, “a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter.” The Desire of Ages , 679.2. Not for one moment is it God’s intention that His children shall stumble and fall throughout their lives. Glorious and con tinual triumph is His program for His followers. But this herit age is available only to those who know and follow His ways.