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come immediately, sometimes we have to wait patiently and continue
earnestly to plead for the things we need. Our faith is illustrated by
the case of the importunate solicitor for bread.... If our petitions are
indited by the Lord, they will be answered.—
Ibid
.
1034. We all desire an immediate answer to our prayers, and we
are tempted to become discouraged if it does not come. Now my
experience has taught me that this is a great mistake. The delay is
for our special benefit.... Faith strengthens through continual exercise.
This waiting does not mean that because we ask the Lord to heal, there
is nothing for us to do. We are to make the very best use of the means
which the Lord in his gracious goodness has provided for us in our
very necessities.... I have looked to God in faith, and have used every
benefit that hygienic methods have provided, of which we could avail
ourselves. This was my duty.... In treatment we have used water in
a variety of ways, always asking the Lord to give wisdom in all our
efforts, and to put his blessing upon every laudable means employed
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for the recovery of health.... As a reasonable being, through the grace
of God I shall take advantage of the blessings of the Lord which he
has placed within my reach.—
Unpublished Testimonies, March 11,
1892
.
1035. I have seen so much of carrying matters to extremes, even
in praying for the sick, that I have felt that this part of our experi-
ence requires much earnest, sanctified thinking, else we shall make
movements that we may call faith, but that are nothing less than pre-
sumption. Persons worn down with affliction need to be counseled
wisely that they may move discreetly; and while they place themselves
before God to be prayed for that they may be healed, they are not to
neglect methods of restoration to health that are in accordance with
nature’s laws. If, in praying for healing, they refuse to use the simple
remedies provided by God to alleviate pain and to aid nature in her
work, lest it be a denial of faith, they are talking an unwise position.
It is not a denial of faith, it is in strict harmony with the plans of
God.... One word from God, one touch of the divine finger, would
have cured Hezekiah instantly, but special directions were given to
take a fig and lay it on the affected part, and Hezekiah was raised to
life. In everything we need to move along the line of God’s providence.
The human agent should have faith, and should co-operate with divine
power, using every facility, taking advantage of everything that to his