第12章 从耶斯列到何烈山
§1
第12章 从耶斯列到何烈山
§2
Chap. 12 - From Jezreel to Horeb
§3
（本章根据：王上18:41-46；19:1-8）
§4
巴力的先知被杀这一件事，已经为在北国十个支派中进行巨大的属灵改革预备了道路。以利亚已经将百姓背道的罪摆在他们面前；他业已呼召他们存心谦卑归向耶和华。上天的刑罚业已执行；众民已经供认他们的罪过，并已承认他们列祖的上帝乃是永生的上帝；如今上天的咒诅即将撤消，今生属世的福分即将恢复。全地即将受到雨水的滋润了。以利亚对亚哈说：“你现在可以上去吃喝；因为有多雨的响声了。”于是先知便上迦密山顶去祷告。[1]{PK 155.1}
§5
With the slaying of the prophets of Baal, the way was opened for carrying forward a mighty spiritual reformation among the ten tribes of the northern kingdom. Elijah had set before the people their apostasy; he had called upon them to humble their hearts and turn to the Lord. The judgments of Heaven had been executed; the people had confessed their sins, and had acknowledged the God of their fathers as the living God; and now the curse of Heaven was to be withdrawn, and the temporal blessings of life renewed. The land was to be refreshed with rain. Get thee up, eat and drink, Elijah said to Ahab; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. Then the prophet went to the top of the mount to pray.{PK 155.1}[1]
§6
以利亚之所以能这样有把握地吩咐亚哈为雨作准备，并不是因为外表上有什么将要降雨的迹象。先知并没有看见天上有云；也没有听见雷声。他只是说出主的灵为应答他自己坚强的信心而感动他讲的话。他在那一整天当中，已经无畏地完成了上帝的旨意，并已表明他绝对信任上帝《圣经》中的预言；如今，他既已尽其所能地行了这一切的事，便深知上天必大量倾降所预言的福惠。这位曾经降下旱灾的同一上帝已经应许沛降甘霖，报赏义行；如今，以利亚便在等待着这应许中的大雨。他以谦卑的态度“将脸伏在两膝之中，”为悔改的以色列向上帝代求。[2]{PK 155.2}
§7
It was not because of any outward evidence that the showers were about to fall, that Elijah could so confidently bid Ahab prepare for rain. The prophet saw no clouds in the heavens; he heard no thunder. He simply spoke the word that the Spirit of the Lord had moved him to speak in response to his own strong faith. Throughout the day he had unflinchingly performed the will of God and had revealed his implicit confidence in the prophecies of Gods word; and now, having done all that was in his power to do, he knew that Heaven would freely bestow the blessings foretold. The same God who had sent the drought had promised an abundance of rain as the reward of rightdoing; and now Elijah waited for the promised outpouring. In an attitude of humility, his face between his knees, he interceded with God in behalf of penitent Israel.{PK 155.2}[2]
§8
以利亚一次又一次地差遣他的仆人上到一个俯瞰地中海的地点去，要观看有没有上帝垂听他祷告的明显记号。仆人每一次回来都说：“没有什么。”先知并没有因此不耐久待或失去信心，依然恳切祈求。仆人六次回来都说那“变为铜”的天没有任何降雨的迹象。以利亚毫不灰心地再度差仆人去观看一次；这一次仆人回来说：“我看见有一小片云从海里上来，不过如人手那样大。”[3]{PK 156.1}
§9
Again and again Elijah sent his servant to a point overlooking the Mediterranean, to learn whether there were any visible token that God had heard his prayer. Each time the servant returned with the word, There is nothing. The prophet did not become impatient or lose faith, but continued his earnest pleading. Six times the servant returned with the word that there was no sign of rain in the brassy heavens. Undaunted, Elijah sent him forth once more; and this time the servant returned with the word, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea like a mans hand.{PK 156.1}[3]
§10
这就够了。以利亚并没有等候天空乌云密布。他凭着信心在这一小片云中看出大量的雨水；他也采取了与信心配合一致的行动，立即差遣仆人去告诉亚哈说：“当套车下去，免得被雨阻挡。”[4]{PK 156.2}
§11
This was enough. Elijah did not wait for the heavens to gather blackness. In that small cloud he beheld by faith an abundance of rain; and he acted in harmony with his faith, sending his servant quickly to Ahab with the message, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.{PK 156.2}[4]
§12
上帝之所以能在以色列历史上这一次严重的危机中使用以利亚，乃因他是一个大有信心的人。当他祷告的时候，他伸出了信心的手握住上天的应许；而且恒切祷告，直到他的祈求蒙了应允。他没有等待那证明上帝已经垂听他的充分凭据，却愿根据神恩的最微小表号而大胆相信一切。然而他在上帝帮助之下所能作的事，乃是人人在他们为上帝服务的范围之内所可能作的；因为《圣经》论到那从基列山来的先知这样说：“以利亚与我们是一样性情的人，他恳切祷告，求不要下雨，雨就三年零六个月不下在地上。”（雅5:17）[5]{PK 156.3}
§13
It was because Elijah was a man of large faith that God could use him in this grave crisis in the history of Israel. As he prayed, his faith reached out and grasped the promises of Heaven, and he persevered in prayer until his petitions were answered. He did not wait for the full evidence that God had heard him, but was willing to venture all on the slightest token of divine favor. And yet what he was enabled to do under God, all may do in their sphere of activity in Gods service; for of the prophet from the mountains of Gilead it is written: Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. James 5:17.{PK 156.3}[5]
§14
今日的世界所极需的乃是像这样的信心，就是把握住上帝圣言中的应许，非到上天垂听而决不放松的信心。这样的信心将我们与上天紧密地联系起来，并使我们有力量抗拒黑暗的权势。上帝的儿女因着信曾“制服了敌国，行了公义，得了应许，堵了狮子的口，灭了烈火的猛势，脱了刀剑的锋刃，软弱变为刚强，争战显出勇敢，打退外邦的全军。”（来11:33-34）而我们今日也要因着信达到上帝为我们所定之旨意的高峰。“你若能信，在信的人凡事都能。”（可9:23）[6]{PK 157.1}
§15
Faith such as this is needed in the world today--faith that will lay hold on the promises of Gods word and refuse to let go until Heaven hears. Faith such as this connects us closely with Heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. Through faith Gods children have subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Hebrews 11:33, 34. And through faith we today are to reach the heights of Gods purpose for us. If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23.{PK 157.1}[6]
§16
信心乃是有功效之祈祷的要素。“因为到上帝面前来的人，必须信有上帝，且信他赏赐那寻求他的人。”“我们若照他的旨意求什么，他就听我们；……既然知道他听我们一切所求的，就知道我们所求于他的无不得着。”（来11:6；约一5:14-15）我们也可以本着雅各那样坚忍不拔的信心，和以利亚不屈不挠的恒心，向天父呈上我们的恳求，要求一切他所应许的。他宝座的光荣已作为实现他应许的保证了。[7]{PK 157.2}
§17
Faith is an essential element of prevailing prayer. He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. Hebrews 11:6, 1 John 5:14, 15. With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of Elijah, we may present our petitions to the Father, claiming all that He has promised. The honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word.{PK 157.2}[7]
§18
当亚哈准备下山时，夜幕已经笼罩在迦密山上了。“霎时间天因风云黑暗，降下大雨。亚哈就坐车，往耶斯列去了。”当亚哈冒着黑暗和倾盆大雨往王城去的时候，他无法看出前面的道路。上帝的先知以利亚那天虽曾当着亚哈的臣民使他屈服，并杀了他那拜偶像的祭司，却依然承认他为以色列的王；而这时他有上帝的力量在他身上，就以一种尊敬的行动，奔在御车之前，引领亚哈王直到城门。[8]{PK 158.1}
§19
The shades of night were gathering about Mount Carmel as Ahab prepared for the descent. It came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. As he journeyed toward the royal city through the darkness and the blinding rain, Ahab was unable to see his way before him. Elijah, who, as the prophet of God, had that day humiliated Ahab before his subjects and slain his idolatrous priests, still acknowledged him as Israels king; and now, as an act of homage, and strengthened by the power of God, he ran before the royal chariot, guiding the king to the entrance of the city.{PK 158.1}[8]
§20
上帝的信使向一个恶王所行的这件善举，给予一切自称为上帝仆人却夜郎自大的人一个教训。有些人自视过高，不屑履行他们认为似是下贱的任务。他们甚至连必需的服务也迟疑不行，唯恐被人发现在作奴仆之工。这些人都可从以利亚的榜样上学得很多的教训。由于他的话语，上天的恩泽曾三年多没有降在地上；他在迦密山上的祷告得蒙应允，有火从天而降烧尽燔祭时，他曾明显地为上帝所尊荣；他曾执行上帝的刑罚而杀了拜偶像的先知；他求雨的祷告也蒙了应允。然而在他获得显著的胜利，就是上帝悦纳并尊荣他的公开服务之后，他还乐意履行仆人所作的服务。[9]{PK 158.2}
§21
In this gracious act of Gods messenger shown to a wicked king is a lesson for all who claim to be servants of God, but who are exalted in their own estimation. There are those who feel above performing duties that to them appear menial. They hesitate to perform even needful service, fearing that they will be found doing the work of a servant. These have much to learn from the example of Elijah. By his word the treasures of heaven had been for three years withheld from the earth; he had been signally honored of God as, in answer to his prayer on Carmel, fire had flashed from heaven and consumed the sacrifice; his hand had executed the judgment of God in slaying the idolatrous prophets; his petition for rain had been granted. And yet, after the signal triumphs with which God had been pleased to honor his public ministry, he was willing to perform the service of a menial.{PK 158.2}[9]
§22
以利亚在耶斯列城门口与亚哈分别了。先知愿意留在城外，拿他的外衣裹身，就躺在空地上睡着了。王进入城内，不久就到了他的王宫内院，于是便将当天所发生的非常大事，以及上帝能力的奇妙显示，如何向以色列证明耶和华是真神，以利亚则是他所拣选的信使等情，都告诉了他的妻子。当亚哈向王后述说拜偶像的先知被杀的事时，这个心肠刚硬、怙恶不悛的耶洗别就大为震怒了。她不肯承认迦密山上的事都是出于上帝支配一切的美意，却依旧公然反抗，并大胆宣布以利亚必须被处死。[10]{PK 159.1}
§23
At the gate of Jezreel, Elijah and Ahab separated. The prophet, choosing to remain outside the walls, wrapped himself in his mantle, and lay down upon the bare earth to sleep. The king, passing within, soon reached the shelter of his palace and there related to his wife the wonderful events of the day and the marvelous revelation of divine power that had proved to Israel that Jehovah is the true God and Elijah His chosen messenger. As Ahab told the queen of the slaying of the idolatrous prophets, Jezebel, hardened and impenitent, became infuriated. She refused to recognize in the events on Carmel the overruling providence of God, and, still defiant, she boldly declared that Elijah should die.{PK 159.1}[10]
§24
当夜有一个传信的使臣唤醒了疲乏的先知，把耶洗别的话告诉他：“明日约在这时候，我若不使你的性命像那些人的性命一样，愿神明重重的降罚与我。”[11]{PK 159.2}
§25
That night a messenger aroused the weary prophet and delivered to him the word of Jezebel: So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.{PK 159.2}[11]
§26
在以利亚表现那么不屈不挠的勇敢之后，在他那么完全地得胜了国王、祭司和众民之后，他似乎决不会再灰心丧志或因威吓而怯懦退缩了。但是这个蒙上帝赐予那么多慈爱眷顾之凭据的人，竟不能摆脱血肉之体的弱点，却在这黑暗的时刻失去了信心和勇气。他心慌意乱，从睡梦中醒过来，就开始逃命了。那时大雨倾盆，四面黑暗，先知竟忘记了三年前上帝如何引领他的路，使他走到一个避难的所在，得以脱离耶洗别的仇恨和亚哈的寻索，如今却为自己而逃命了。到了别是巴，他“将仆人留在那里，自己在旷野走了一日的路程。”[12]{PK 159.3}
§27
It would seem that after showing courage so undaunted, after triumphing so completely over king and priests and people, Elijah could never afterward have given way to despondency nor been awed into timidity. But he who had been blessed with so many evidences of Gods loving care was not above the frailties of mankind, and in this dark hour his faith and courage forsook him. Bewildered, he started from his slumber. The rain was pouring from the heavens, and darkness was on every side. Forgetting that three years before, God had directed his course to a place of refuge from the hatred of Jezebel and the search of Ahab, the prophet now fled for his life. Reaching Beersheba, he left his servant there. But he himself went a days journey into the wilderness.{PK 159.3}[12]
§28
以利亚原不该擅离他的工作岗位。他应当祈求那曾吩咐他维护耶和华尊荣的主，保佑他应付耶洗别的威胁。他应当正告那传信的使臣：他所信靠的上帝必定会保佑他抗御王后的毒恨。仅在数小时之前，他曾眼见上帝能力的奇妙显示，这应该是他必不致被撇弃的明证。如果他仍然留在原处，如果他以上帝为避难所和力量，而为真理屹立不移，那么他就必得蒙庇护而不致受害了。主必定借着降罚在耶洗别身上而给他另一次显著的胜利；这就很可以使王和众民留下深刻的印象，因而造成一番伟大的改革。[13]{PK 160.1}
§29
Elijah should not have fled from his post of duty. He should have met the threat of Jezebel with an appeal for protection to the One who had commissioned him to vindicate the honor of Jehovah. He should have told the messenger that the God in whom he trusted would protect him against the hatred of the queen. Only a few hours had passed since he had witnessed a wonderful manifestation of divine power, and this should have given him assurance that he would not now be forsaken. Had he remained where he was, had he made God his refuge and strength, standing steadfast for the truth, he would have been shielded from harm. The Lord would have given him another signal victory by sending His judgments on Jezebel; and the impression made on the king and the people would have wrought a great reformation.{PK 160.1}[13]
§30
以利亚曾期望迦密山上所行的神迹能有极大的成就。他曾希望在上帝这次彰显他的能力之后，耶洗别在亚哈心上就不致再有什么影响，而以色列全地必迅即兴起一番改革了。他曾在迦密山上忍饥挨饿地劳碌终日。可是在他导引亚哈的御车到耶斯列城门时他的身体虽因劳顿而疲惫不堪，但勇气却是坚强的。[14]{PK 160.2}
§31
Elijah had expected much from the miracle wrought on Carmel. He had hoped that after this display of Gods power, Jezebel would no longer have influence over the mind of Ahab, and that there would be a speedy reform throughout Israel. All day on Carmels height he had toiled without food. Yet when he guided the chariot of Ahab to the gate of Jezreel, his courage was strong, despite the physical strain under which he had labored. {PK 160.2}[14]
§32
可是那常随高贵的信心与光荣的成功而俱来的反作用，这时正压在以利亚的心上。他唯恐迦密山上所创始的改革不可能持久；于是他意气消沉了。他曾一度被高举到毗斯迦的山顶；而今却落在幽谷之中了。他在蒙受全能者的灵感之下，曾经忍受信心上最严重的考验；但在这灰心的时候，既有耶洗别威胁的话在他耳中作响，而撒但借着这个恶妇的毒计似乎仍占优势，他就放松那握住上帝的手了。他曾被过分高举，如今反作用也就特别强烈。以利亚忘记了上帝，继续奔逃，直到他发现自己孤处于荒野之中。他精疲力竭地坐在一棵罗腾树下休息。他坐在那里为自己求死，说：“耶和华啊，罢了；求你取我的性命；因为我不胜于我的列祖。”一个远离人烟的逃亡者，失望的痛苦使他伤心欲绝，不愿再见到世人的面。他在极度疲劳之下终于睡着了。[15]{PK 161.1}
§33
But a reaction such as frequently follows high faith and glorious success was pressing upon Elijah. He feared that the reformation begun on Carmel might not be lasting; and depression seized him. He had been exalted to Pisgahs top; now he was in the valley. While under the inspiration of the Almighty, he had stood the severest trial of faith; but in this time of discouragement, with Jezebels threat sounding in his ears, and Satan still apparently prevailing through the plotting of this wicked woman, he lost his hold on God. He had been exalted above measure, and the reaction was tremendous. Forgetting God, Elijah fled on and on, until he found himself in a dreary waste, alone. Utterly wearied, he sat down to rest under a juniper tree. And sitting there, he requested for himself that he might die. It is enough; now, O Lord, he said, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. A fugitive, far from the dwelling places of men, his spirits crushed by bitter disappointment, he desired never again to look upon the face of man. At last, utterly exhausted, he fell asleep.{PK 161.1}[15]
§34
每一个人的经验中，总不免会遇到非常失望和极度灰心的日子，——在那些日子，世人的分既是尝受忧患，就很难相信上帝仍是他地上儿女的慈悲恩主；在那些日子，有种种困难折磨心灵，以致觉得生不如死。许多人就是在这样的时候放松了他们对于上帝的把握，而成了怀疑的奴隶，不信的仆役。如果我们能在这样的时候以属灵的眼光辨明上帝圣旨的美意，我们便可见到有天使正在设法拯救我们脱离自我，并努力使我们的脚踏在那比永恒的山岭更为牢靠的根基上；而新的信心，新的生命，就会从我们里面涌流出来了。[16]{PK 162.1}
§35
Into the experience of all there come times of keen disappointment and utter discouragement--days when sorrow is the portion, and it is hard to believe that God is still the kind benefactor of His earthborn children; days when troubles harass the soul, till death seems preferable to life. It is then that many lose their hold on God and are brought into the slavery of doubt, the bondage of unbelief. Could we at such times discern with spiritual insight the meaning of Gods providences we should see angels seeking to save us from ourselves, striving to plant our feet upon a foundation more firm than the everlasting hills, and new faith, new life, would spring into being.{PK 162.1}[16]
§36
忠心的约伯在他痛苦和黑暗的日子悲叹说：“愿我生的那日……灭没。唯愿我的烦恼称一称，我一切的灾害放在天平里，”“唯愿我得着所求的，愿上帝赐我所切望的；就是愿上帝把我压碎，伸手将我剪除。我……就仍以此为安慰。”“我不禁止我口；我灵愁苦，要发出言语；我心苦恼，要吐露哀情。”“我……宁肯死亡，胜似留我这一身的骨头。我厌弃性命，不愿永活。你任凭我吧！因我的日子都是虚空。”（伯3:3；6:2,8-10；7:11；15-16）[17]{PK 162.2}
§37
The faithful Job, in the day of his affliction and darkness, declared: Let the day perish wherein I was born. O that my grief were throughly weighed, And my calamity laid in the balances together! O that I might have my request; And that God would grant me the thing that I long for! Even that it would please God to destroy me; That He would let loose His hand, and cut me off! Then should I yet have comfort. I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. My soul chooseth . . . death rather than my life. I loathe it; I would not live alway: Let me alone; For my days are vanity. Job 3:3; 6:2, 8-10; Job 7:11, 15, 16.{PK 162.2}[17]
§38
但是约伯虽然厌弃生命，上帝却并不让他死亡。有将来的可能性向他指明，更有那希望的信息赐给他：“你也必坚固，无所惧怕。你必忘记你的苦楚，就是想起也如流过去的水一样。你在世的日子要比正午更明，虽有黑暗，仍像早晨。你因有指望，就必稳固。……你躺卧无人惊吓，且有许多人向你求恩。但恶人的眼目必要失明，他们无路可逃，他们的指望就是气绝。”（伯11:15-20）[18]{PK 163.1}
§39
But though weary of life, Job was not allowed to die. To him were pointed out the possibilities of the future, and there was given him the message of hope: Thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear: Because thou shalt forget thy misery, And remember it as waters that pass away: And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; Thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. And thou shalt be secure, Because there is hope. . . . Thou shalt lie down, And none shall make thee afraid; Yea, many shall make suit unto thee. But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, And they shall not escape, And their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost. Job 11:15-20.{PK 163.1}[18]
§40
约伯从失望灰心的深渊之中，升到了绝对信靠上帝的恩典和他拯救之能的高原上。他胜利地声称：“他虽杀我，我仍必信靠他；……他也要成为我的拯救。”“我知道我的救赎主活着，末了必站立在地上；我这皮肉灭绝之后，我必在肉体之外得见上帝。我自己要见他，亲眼要看他，并不像外人。”（伯13:15-16；英文本19:25-27）[19]{PK 163.2}
§41
From the depths of discouragement and despondency Job rose to the heights of implicit trust in the mercy and the saving power of God. Triumphantly he declared: Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him: . . . He also shall be my salvation. I know that my Redeemer liveth, And that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, Yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, And mine eyes shall behold, and not another. Job 13:15, 16; 19:25-27.{PK 163.2}[19]
§42
“耶和华从旋风中回答约伯，”（伯38:1）并向他的仆人彰显他的大能。当约伯瞥见他的创造主时，他就厌恶自己，在尘土和炉灰中懊悔。这时主才能丰富地赐福给他，使他的晚景成了他一生中最幸福的年日。[20]{PK 164.1}
§43
The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind (Job 38:1), and revealed to His servant the might of His power. When Job caught a glimpse of his Creator, he abhorred himself and repented in dust and ashes. Then the Lord was able to bless him abundantly and to make his last years the best of his life.{PK 164.1}[20]
§44
盼望和勇敢乃是在侍奉上帝方面达到完全地步所不可或缺的。这都是信心的果子。灰心丧志乃是有罪而不合理的，上帝能够而且愿意“格外”（来6:17）将他仆人所需要用以应付考验和试炼的力量赐给他们。他圣工之仇敌的计谋看来似乎周密稳妥；但上帝足能推翻其中最恶毒的。这乃是在他看到他仆人的信心已受充分考验之后，按他自己所定的时候和方法而行的。[21]{PK 164.2}
§45
Hope and courage are essential to perfect service for God. These are the fruit of faith. Despondency is sinful and unreasonable. God is able and willing more abundantly (Hebrews 6:17) to bestow upon His servants the strength they need for test and trial. The plans of the enemies of His work may seem to be well laid and firmly established, but God can overthrow the strongest of these. And this He does in His own time and way, when He sees that the faith of His servants has been sufficiently tested.{PK 164.2}[21]
§46
对于灰心的人有一道可靠的救治之方，信靠、祈祷、工作。信心和行动所给予的保证和满足必是与日俱增的。你是否受了试探而致焦虑杞忧或全然灰心呢？即使在最黑暗的日子，各种形势似乎最拂逆的时候，不要惧怕，当信赖上帝。他知道你的需要。他具有一切的权柄。他那无限的慈爱和怜悯是永不困倦的。不要担心他不能实现他的应许。他是永恒的真理。他决不会改变他与凡爱他之人所立的约。他也必按照他忠心仆人所需要效能的分量赐给他们。使徒保罗曾见证说：“他对我说：我的恩典够你用的；因为我的能力是在人的软弱上显得完全。……我为基督的缘故，就以软弱、凌辱、急难、逼迫、困苦，为可喜乐的；因我什么时候软弱，什么时候就刚强了。”（林后12:9-10）[22]{PK 164.3}
§47
For the disheartened there is a sure remedy--faith, prayer, work. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day. Are you tempted to give way to feelings of anxious foreboding or utter despondency? In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He knows your need. He has all power. His infinite love and compassion never weary. Fear not that He will fail of fulfilling His promise. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant He has made with those who love Him. And He will bestow upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands. The apostle Paul has testified: He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. . . . Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christs sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10. {PK 164.3}[22]
§48
上帝是否在以利亚受试炼的时辰丢弃了他呢？断乎没有！无论是在以利亚觉得自己被上帝和世人遗弃的时候，或是在应允他的祷告，从天上降火照亮山顶的时候，上帝总是一样的爱他的仆人。如今，当以利亚沉睡的时候，有温柔的手拍他，并有悦耳的声音唤醒他。他惊醒过来，准备逃跑，唯恐是仇敌发现了他。但那俯视着他而充满怜悯的脸却不是仇敌的脸，而是朋友的脸。上帝已从天上打发一个天使送食物给他的仆人。天使说：“起来吃吧。”“他观看，见头旁有一瓶水，与炭火烧的饼。”[23]{PK 166.1}
§49
Did God forsake Elijah in his hour of trial? Oh, no! He loved His servant no less when Elijah felt himself forsaken of God and man than when, in answer to his prayer, fire flashed from heaven and illuminated the mountaintop. And now, as Elijah slept, a soft touch and a pleasant voice awoke him. He started up in terror, as if to flee, fearing that the enemy had discovered him. But the pitying face bending over him was not the face of an enemy, but of a friend. God had sent an angel from heaven with food for His servant. Arise and eat, the angel said. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head.{PK 166.1}[23]
§50
以利亚进用了那为他而预备的饮食之后，又躺下睡着了。天使又第二次来到。他拍醒了这个疲惫的人，柔声说：“起来吃吧；因为你当走的路甚远。”“他就起来，吃了喝了；”仗着饮食的力量，他就能行走“四十昼夜，到了上帝的山，就是何烈山，”在那里找到了一个洞，就躲在洞中。[24]{PK 166.2}
§51
After Elijah had partaken of the refreshment prepared for him, he slept again. A second time the angel came. Touching the exhausted man, he said with pitying tenderness, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink; and in the strength of that food he was able to journey forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God, where he found refuge in a cave.{PK 166.2}[24]