We should not pray for God to humble us; for when God takes hold of us, he will humble us in a way that we would not enjoy....

Let there be a work of reformation and repentance. Let all seek for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. As with the disciples after the ascension of Christ, it may require several days of earnestly seeking God and putting away of sin. ML 58

Ours is the most solemn work that was ever given to mortals, and we are doing this work for eternity. We are to be a spectacle to angels and to men, and we want our spirits softened and subdued by the meekness and lowliness of Christ, and have his Spirit enshrined in the heart. We want that active, living faith that will take God at his word, and trust in his promises at all times. And as we on our part lay hold of the arm of infinite power, we must feel that it is an individual work; we must cling to the Mighty One; and if we seek God with all our hearts, we will find him, because he has promised to be found of us. He is the Captain of the Lord’s host, and he will be with us; and if he gives us any measure of success, express thankfulness to him. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth God.” All heaven is interested in this work that God’s messengers are carrying forward in the world, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. RH July 12, 1887, par. 8

This is a great work, brethren and sisters, and we should humble ourselves daily before God, and not feel that our wisdom is perfect. We should take hold of the work with earnestness. We should not pray for God to humble us; for when God takes hold of us, he will humble us in a way that we would not enjoy. But we must day by day humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. We are to work out our own salvation with fear and with trembling. While it is God that works in us to will and to do of his own good pleasure, we are to co-operate with him while he works through us. We must guard against lifting up our souls in self-esteem. But you will say, How am I to know that Christ is in my heart? If, when you are criticised or corrected in your way, and things do not go just as you think they ought to go,—if then you let your passion arise instead of bearing the correction and being patient and kind, Christ is not abiding in the heart. RH July 12, 1887, par. 9



And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 2 Peter 1:2-7. COL 282



If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, looking to me for help, I will hear from heaven and will forgive them their sins and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14. The Clear Word