Singing Drives Powers of Darkness Away

“I saw we must be daily rising and keeping the ascendancy above the powers of darkness. Our God is mighty. I saw singing to the glory of God often drives the enemy away, and praising God would beat him back and give us the victory.” 3SM 332.

Some time ago my mother and I were invited to a 75th birthday party of a well-known and beloved blind man. I was invited to bring my guitar, so I prepared to sing, “Tis Love That Makes Us Happy.”

Beforehand I practiced strumming the strings individually, slowly and softly.
When we arrived at the meeting place, which was a Community Church and on a Sunday, the place was full, and as we were handed a programme I saw that my name was not registered to sing. So I went to the person who had invited us and said, “I see that I am not on the list. I don’t have to sing.”

“Okay,” she said, “maybe another time.”
After I had said that, I felt an awful sinking sensation, almost like I would faint, and I felt that I had done wrong in backing out. The song had been planned to be a witness, and a blessing to the people, and I knew it would be different than most performances. So after considering the matter, I went back and said, “I’ve decided to sing after all.” Right away arrangements were made, and the matter was settled.

When my turn came, I went up and sat down and began softly plucking the guitar strings. Then I began to sing. Although I have often sung before audiences, I was shaky, and instead of becoming stronger, as usual, my nervousness lasted to the end of the song. Nevertheless I lifted up my voice as best as I could and tried to make the words clear.
As I went back to my seat, I felt very embarrassed and ashamed of my poor performance. But I determined not to say anything or apologize to anyone, and I prayed very, very earnestly in my heart that God would bring a blessing out of this experience; that He would overrule.

And I am glad to say we had evidence that He did. Afterwards a lady said to us, “That singing was very soothing. You have a lovely voice.” (Or something to those words). And the pastor of the church (Sunday-keeping) called to thank us, and to request the words of the song. Also the man whose birthday it as called to thank me for the song.
“We must have less trust in what we ourselves can do, and more trust in what the Lord can do for and through us. We are not engaged in our own work; we are doing the work of God.” MH 513-4.

“As you ask the Lord to help you, honour your Saviour by believing that you do receive His blessing. All power, all wisdom, are at our command. We have only to ask.” Ibid, p. 514.

“The result of all we do rests in the hands of God. Whatever may betide, lay hold upon Him with steady, persevering confidence.” Ibid, p. 513.

While I was at that church, I took the liberty of placing a few paperback books in their library – Desire of Ages, Steps to Christ, Ministry of Healing, Christ’s Object Lessons – those are what I had available. Pray with me that some one or more individuals will find those books, and discover the great blessings to be found therein.

Lately I have had two opportunities to give hydro-therapy treatments to persons in pain. For these experiences I am grateful. I wish I could do more to relieve the pain and misery in the world. Pray for this.
AMEN.

Sis. Kathleen Ross
Alberta, Canada