Gods Sabbath

344

E NTERING INTO G OD ’ S S ABBATH R EST

However, both Abraham and Elijah were conversant with the Scriptures and had accomplished great things under God’s personal direction, in view of which, we would not expect them to lose faith under temptation. Yet they did, and as surely as they did, there was some part of the Word which they had not come to understand to the point where their faith was immov able. What was that area in which clarity, and therefore faith, were lacking?

Are Perplexities Normal?

Both Abraham and Elijah understood and accepted God’s gen eral orders and, to a point, had heard and obeyed His specific di rectives as well. But this did not prove to be sufficient to build indestructible faith in those wonderful men. Something more was needed. By the ministry of the Holy Spirit through the Word, they had still to grasp the vital truth that no matter how much it may appear that obedience is bringing disaster and de struction rather than blessing and victory, they are to be neither surprised nor dismayed by these developments. Instead, they are to recognize such problems as quite normal, while retaining the assurance that even though they may be brought to the ut most extremity with no visible prospects of relief, victory is cer tain and God’s work will triumph. It is education in these lines that will ensure our faith is not changed to unbelief. When we learn through the Scriptures that it is usual for God’s commands to generate a storm of persecu tion, loss of friends, seeming disaster, and other dire threats be fore glorious victories are gained, we will not be so surprised or disturbed. Rather, our faith will grow stronger as we look for ward to the telling triumph into which we know the Lord is lead ing us. We will retain the unshakable conviction that the only thing for which we are responsible is strict submission to the will of God. The consequences of our faithful performance of the Lord’s instruction are not our concern. Let the faithful witness of Jesus never be forgotten that “... it is a less calamity to suffer whatever may befall than to depart in any manner from the will of God.” The Desire of Ages , 121.1.