September 2, 1903

“Wherefore Didst Thou Doubt?”

EGW

Wherefore didst thou doubt?” Christ asked Peter. To many today the same question might be addressed. Because the outlook is not pleasant, they draw closely around them the garment of unbelief. They look within, and, because all is darkness, they think that God is forsaking them. Why do we thus dishonor God? He has pledged Himself to be our Helper in every time of need. In His Word we may find ground for confidence, and provision for efficiency. It is our privilege to say confidently and yet humbly, The Lord is my helper; therefore shall I not fear. My life is hid with Christ in God. Because He lives, I shall live also.ST September 2, 1903, par. 1

Let us pledge ourselves before God and the angels of heaven that we will not dishonor God by yielding to discouragement and unbelief. Let us close the door of the heart against distrust, and open it wide to faith. If we feel despondent, let us look to Jesus. If we think that our friends misunderstand us, let us remember that Jesus, our Elder Brother, never makes a mistake. He judges righteously.ST September 2, 1903, par. 2

Let every word you utter, every line you write, give evidence of unwavering faith. Do not think of Jesus as the friend of some one else, but as your personal friend. Never are you left to struggle alone. Christ says, “Lo, I am with you alway.” And angels are your helpers. The Comforter that Jesus promised to send abides with you.ST September 2, 1903, par. 3

Constantly exercise faith. Trust in God whatever your feelings may be. “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” Let him say with the psalmist, “Yea, tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”ST September 2, 1903, par. 4

Do not think that because you have sinned, you must always be under condemnation. When the tempter tells you that your sins are so great that you have no right to claim the promises of God, say, “It is written, ‘Tho your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;’ and ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’”ST September 2, 1903, par. 5

“If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.” Christ died to rescue souls from the bondage of sin, and those who return to their loyalty are precious in the sight of the Lord. He loves them even as He loves His only-begotten Son.ST September 2, 1903, par. 6

He who died that we might live forever in heaven, is now standing before His Father, pleading in our behalf. He ever lives to make intercession for us, and to dispense to us grace and blessing in abundant measure. He will give His children the help that He sees they need. He has promised, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” He lays upon them no burden greater than they are able to bear.ST September 2, 1903, par. 7

With the hand of faith grasp the promises of God, and stand on vantage-ground. Then you will be where Satan can not come near to you to say, God will not help you, because you have sinned. The enemy desires us to think that the way of life is so difficult that it is impossible for us to reach heaven. But do not allow his insinuations of doubt to keep you from pressing forward. In the strength of God we may be more than conquerors. His purpose for us is that we shall develop perfect characters. He can help us so to live in this world that we shall be accounted worthy to join the family of the redeemed in the courts above. He is willing to do for us more than we can ask or think.ST September 2, 1903, par. 8