A blessing from todays quarterly EGW notes

[Norman Byers, N.D.]

Throughout the history of God's people great mountains of difficulty, apparently insurmountable, have loomed up before those who were trying to carry out the purposes of

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Heaven. Such obstacles are permitted by the Lord as a test of faith. When we are hedged about on every side, this is the time above all others to trust in God and in the power of His Spirit. The exercise of a living faith means an increase of spiritual strength and the development of an unfaltering trust. It is thus that the soul becomes a conquering power. Before the demand of faith, the obstacles placed by Satan across the pathway of the Christian will disappear; for the powers of heaven will come to his aid. "Nothing shall be impossible unto you." Matthew 17:20.

The way of the world is to begin with pomp and boasting. God's way is to make the day of small things the beginning of the glorious triumph of truth and righteousness. Sometimes He trains His workers by bringing to them disappointment and apparent failure. It is His purpose that they shall learn to master difficulties.

Often men are tempted to falter before the perplexities and obstacles that confront them. But if they will hold the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end, God will make the way clear. Success will come to them as they struggle against difficulties. Before the intrepid spirit and unwavering faith of a Zerubbabel, great mountains of difficulty will become a plain; and he whose hands have laid the foundation, even "his hands shall also finish it." "He shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." Zechariah 4:9, 7.

PK 494,495

[Woody]

Hey Norman. I liked this. It is very good. I would only suggest one word change in the following. It may be important or it may not. To each his own. ....

Quote:

Sometimes He trains His workers by bringing to them disappointment and apparent failure.

I would change the wording to "allows" failure. I think Satan causes or influences our disappointment and failures. I don't think God does that. God is Good. But He does "allow" disappointment and failures. He does not always intervene and insure success. He allows evil but does not "bring" it to them.

Sorry if I am a stickler for details. But this is my personal belief. You are free to disagree with me and side with her. And I would not blame you. For I don't seem to have as much credibility here as Ellen White.!.!.! l.o.l.