Finishing the Work

Isaiah also cried concerning Israel, though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: for He shall finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the LORD make upon the earth.” Rom. 9:27, 28.

Yes, God will finish His work, and cut it short in righteousness. He will take, and is taking His work into His own hands. We will be surprised at the simple means that He will use.

God will do His work, and we must do ours. What is our work? Our first duty to God and man is self-development. “Our first duty to God and our fellow beings is in self-development. Every faculty with which the Creator has endowed us should be cultivated to the highest degree of perfection, that we may be able to do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable. IN ORDER TO PURIFY AND REFINE OUR CHARACTERS, WE NEED THE GRACE GIVEN US OF CHRIST THAT WILL ENABLE US TO SEE AND CORRECT OUR DEFICIENCIES AND IMPROVE THAT WHICH IS EXCELLENT IN OUR CHARACTERS.” Child Guidance, p. 164.

It is our responsibility to guard ourselves. We must carefully guard ourselves that we do not stray from the straight and narrow way, and when we do stray away, we must return as quickly as possible.

In our unguarded moments we can do damage to God’s work, and to our own good characters and reputations. Our arch-enemy, Satan, the deceiver, the one who tricked and deceived Eve in paradise, is always at hand to trick and deceive us. And how much more susceptible are we than she, after having been weakened by six thousand years of sin.
Thankfully, “the omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. The SAVIOUR is by the side of His tempted and tried ones.” 4T 582.

Do you speak and act hastily or unwisely sometimes? Do you feel afterwards your shame and disgrace? Perhaps you feel utterly defeated by life, and want to say with Elijah, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” 1 Kings 19:4. But we need not despair. Prayer is our shield and defense. Believing prayer is the essence of pure religion. We must learn to pray in faith. With God all things are possible. Through earnest, believing prayer, what seemed to be disaster and defeat can be turned into a glorious victory for God.

God can use the foolish and weak things of this world to defeat the wise and powerful. If we continue in watching and prayer, with fasting, that is, the careful use of healthful food, we will be on God’s side.

We must not become weary of the watch, or tired of the constant conflict against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Soon Jesus will come and every desire will be fulfilled, we will have all that our hearts could wish. Now is our time of battle, then is our time of release. We are not released yet; do not relax your guard.

We must beware and be careful of foolish talking and jesting. Sometimes it is easy to indulge in this in our fellowship and enjoyment of one another. At least I do know that I have been guilty of this, and my conscience has been scourging me.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” Eph. 5:1-4.

The work of God can get by without us, but we cannot get by without doing the work of God. That is, we need to do good works more for our own growth and development, than that the work will languish and die if we are removed.
Our feelings, impressions and emotions are not reliable. Often the infirmities of our bodies affect our minds. We must fight the fight of faith with all our willpower. Then we will conquer. Our whole nature will then be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ, and even our thoughts will be subject to HIM. “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to what he does not have.” 2 Cor. 8:12.

“Pure religion has to do with the will. The will is the governing power which works in the children of men unto obedience to GOD or unto disobedience…” Our High Calling, April 7.

“You desire to make your life such as will fit you for heaven at last. You are often discouraged at finding yourself weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits and customs of your old life in sin… Your promises are like ropes of sand… You will be in constant peril until you understand the true force of the will. You may believe and promise all things, but your promises or your faith are of no value until you put your will on the side of faith and action. If you fight the fight of faith with all your willpower, you will conquer.” Ibid.

“Jesus is the great Teacher… He is so willing, so ready to take you into a closer fellowship with Himself. He is wiling to teach you how to pray with the believing confidence and assurance of a little child… Enroll your name anew as a student in His school. Learn to pray in faith. Receive the knowledge of Jesus.
“Will you not sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of HIM?” Ibid.
YES. AMEN. So be it, LORD JESUS.

Kathleen Ross, Alberta, Canada