The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | 页面 496

The European Union in Prophecy
Those professed Christians who come up to that last fearful conflict unprepared
will, in their despair, confess their sins in words of burning anguish, while the wicked
exult over their distress. These confessions are of the same character as was that of
Esau or of Judas. Those who make them, lament the result of transgression, but not
its guilt. They feel no true contrition, no abhorrence of evil. They acknowledge their
sin, through fear of punishment; but, like Pharaoh of old, they would return to their
defiance of Heaven should the judgments be removed.
Jacob's history is also an assurance that God will not cast off those who have
been deceived and tempted and betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto Him
with true repentance. While Satan seeks to destroy this class, God will send His
angels to comfort and protect them in the time of peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce
and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord's eye is upon His people, and
His ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem
about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire.
God's love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and
tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be
placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of
Christ may be perfectly reflected.
The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure
weariness, delay, and hunger--a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The
period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because
he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of
importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God's promises, as he did, and be as
earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are
unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His
blessing, will not obtain it.
Wrestling with God--how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls
drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When
waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few
cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God. Those who exercise but little faith
now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of satanic delusions and
the decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test they will be
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