The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 622
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.
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