My summer of canvassing was a defining experience. It was probably the first time I had experienced the intensity of a moment-by-moment dependence on God. Not the morning and evening devotional kind of Christianity. But the, I need Thee every hour, every moment kind of thing! I saw God answer prayers in an instant. And learnt to discern when He said “no,” or “not yet.” It became apparent to me that God is in control of His work. We are invited to co-labor with Him; but it is still His work.
The enemy would have us lose that privilege of working alongside our heavenly Father. He would disqualify us from the work, or discourage us, or dampen our ardor. But if we could see in the midst of the difficulties, trials and temptations, that “An enemy hath done this;” if we could decipher the work of the devil in situations that would discourage us, we might find the fuel to keep pressing on.
The great controversy is real. And I don’t want to give the enemy occasion to rejoice over me.
Here’s a quote we had to memorize that canvassing summer – it has come in handy:
“Already the judgments of God are abroad in the land, as seen in storms, in floods, in tempests, in earthquakes, in peril by land and by sea. The great I AM is speaking to those who make void His law. When God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth, who will then be able to stand? Now is the time for God’s people to show themselves true to principle. When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few—this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason. The nation will be on the side of the great rebel leader.”
5T 136.2
Courage!
Encouraging words for a present canvasser.
I’m going to start memorizing those words 🙂