Where lies the secret strength of faith? It lies in the food it feeds on! Faith takes each promise and studies it—what is this promise? An emanation of divine grace! An overflowing of the great heart of God! And faith says, "My God could never have given this promise except from love and grace; therefore it is quite certain his Word will be fulfilled."

Then faith thinks, "Who gave this promise?" She considers not so much its greatness as who is the author of it. She remembers—this is the God who cannot lie! God omnipotent! God immutable! And therefore she concludes the promise must be fulfilled, and forward she advances in this firm conviction.

She remembers why the promise was given—namely, for God's glory. And she feels perfectly sure that God's glory is safe, that he will never stain his own escutcheon nor mar the luster of his own crown. Therefore the promise must and will stand!

Then faith considers the amazing work of Christ as clear proof of the Father's intention to fulfill his word. "He who did not spare his own Son, but freely delivered him up for us all—how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"

Moreover, faith looks back upon the past, for her battles have strengthened her, and her victories have given her courage. She remembers that God has never failed her—nay, that he never did once fail any of his children! She recollects times of great peril when deliverance came; hours of awful need when, as her day, so her strength was found. And she cries, "No! I never will be led to think that he can change and leave his servant now. Hitherto the Lord has helped me, and he will help me still!"

Thus faith views each promise in its connection with the promise-giver, and because she does so, can with assurance say, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!"