I

When Moses struck the rock, and the water bestowed by Jehovah sprang forth, it was because of his faith. When David played the harp and lyre in praise of Jehovah—with his heart filled with joy—it was because of his faith. When Job lost his livestock that filled the mountains and untold masses of wealth, and his body became covered in sore boils, it was because of his faith. When he could hear the voice of Jehovah, and see the glory of Jehovah, it was because of his faith.

II

That Peter could follow Jesus Christ was down to his faith. That he could be crucified for Me and give glorious testimony was also down to his faith. When John saw the glorious image of the Son of man, it was down to his faith. When he saw the vision of the last days, it was all the more because of his faith. The so-called multitudes of the Gentile nations have obtained My revelation, and have come to know that I've returned in the flesh to do My work among man, it is also because of their faith. All those who are smitten by My harsh words and yet gain solace from this and are saved—have they not done so because of their faith?

III

Because of their faith, people have received so many things, and not necessarily blessings. For example, Job was blessed by Jehovah because of his faith, but he also received adversity. Whether you receive blessings or adversity, both are blessed events. Were it not for your faith, you wouldn't be able to receive this work of conquest, and much less would you be able to see Jehovah's deeds displayed before your eyes today—you wouldn't be able to see this, and even less so would you be able to gain it. These adversities, these calamities, and all the judgments—if they did not befall you, would you be able to see Jehovah's deeds today?

IV

Today, it is faith that allows you to be conquered, and it is being conquered that allows you to believe in Jehovah's every deed. It is only because of faith that you receive such chastisement and judgment. Through this chastisement and judgment, you are conquered and perfected. If not for the chastisement and judgment of today, your faith would be in vain, because you would not know God; no matter how much you believed in Him, your faith would be but empty words and not have any reality.

from The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. The Real Story of the Work of Conquest (1)