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Have You Counted the Cost?, November 1
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have
overcome the world.
John 16:33
.
The world’s Redeemer presents to His followers the plan of the battle
in which they are called to engage, and He bids them count the cost. He
assures them that angels who excel in strength shall be in His army, and
will enable those who trust in Him to fight valiantly. One shall chase
a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight—not through their own
strength, but through the power of Omnipotence.... The Captain of the
Lord’s host is with them, taking the command of the armies, and leading
them on to victory.
Because of their human frailty, because of their sinfulness, they may
fear and tremble as they view the vast hosts of the powers of darkness; but
they may rejoice as they look upon the angels of God ready to minister
to those who shall be heirs of salvation. They may rejoice as they realize
that the Captain of the Lord’s host will lead them forward in every con-
flict against natural and supernatural foes.... Your Leader is a conqueror.
Advance to victory....
How precious are these assurances that we shall never be left to take
one step in our own finite strength, for He has said, “I will never leave
thee, nor forsake thee.”
Hebrews 13:5
. We are fighting in the presence of
invisible hosts. Unseen intelligences survey the whole array of evil, and
help is at hand. We shall not only be provided with that which is necessary
but shall be placed upon vantage ground....
To every Christian comes the word that was addressed to Peter, “Satan
hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed
for thee, that thy faith fail not.”
Luke 22:31
. Thank God we are not left
alone. This is our safety. Satan can never touch with eternal disaster one
whom Christ has prepared for temptation by His previous intercession;
for grace is provided in Christ for every soul, and a way of escape has
been made, so that no one need fall under the power of the enemy.
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