The Hand That Never Lets Go

by Ellen White

The sun shone brilliantly on the dazzling snow of one of the highest mountains of the Alps. In those mountains, an English hiker followed his guide along a narrow path. The Englishman reveled in the beauty all around him. He trusted his guide and followed fearlessly in his footsteps, although the track was new to him. Suddenly he hesitated as the bold mountaineer stepped across a deep, narrow chasm. Then, holding out his hand, the guide asked the Englishman to step across. Still the traveler hesitated, but the guide encouraged him to follow. “Take my hand,” he reassured him. “This hand never lets go.”



Dear young friends, one greater than any human guide calls upon you to follow Him over the heights of patience and self-sacrifice. The path is not an easy one. Christ says, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”1 In order to follow this path, we must lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us.2 Directly at the entrance of the path lies the cross of self-denial. We must lift this cross if we would follow the Savior. We must rid ourselves of pride and selfishness. As long as they weigh us down, we cannot follow in Christ’s steps.

All along the way, Satan has prepared pitfalls for our feet. But as long as we follow our Guide, we can walk with perfect security. The path may be steep and rugged, but He has traveled it. His feet have pressed down the thorns to make the way easier for us. He has already borne every burden we are called upon to bear. As we stay with Him, He will give us light and hope and power. He tells us, “I the Lord . . . will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”3

The soul who gives himself to Jesus is more precious in His sight than the whole world. Christ would have passed through the agony of Calvary so that one soul might be saved in His Kingdom. He will never abandon us, for He died for us. Unless we choose to leave Him, He will hold us fast with the hand that never lets go!


From The Youth’s Instructor, May 1, 1902, adapted.
1. Matthew 7:14.
2. Hebrews 12:1.
3. Isaiah 41:13.