Confidence in God’s Ability to Work Through Us

Charles Spurgeon was a great preacher of the Gospel and a soul winner. This past week I have been reading afresh, one of his messages titled: “Soul Winning.” Among the many jewels to be found in this message I found this:

“The preacher himself wins souls, I believe, best, when he believes in the reality of his work, when he believes in instantaneous conversions. How can he expect God to do what he does not believe God will do? He succeeds best who expects conversion every time he preaches. According to his faith so shall it be done unto him. To be content without conversions is the surest way never to have them: to drive with a single aim entirely at the saving of souls is the surest method of usefulness.”

I agree with this statement for many reasons. The most obvious reason I agree is practical experience. When we try to share our faith or the simple plan of salvation in our own strength our adversary tends to persuade us, it’s not going to happen. This is more than a lack of faith; it is a loss of confidence. It is a loss in the confidence of our heavenly Father to do what He has done in the past. It can be a loss of confidence in us to be effective.
The reality is that God is faithful. God will bless our efforts in soul winning in a large part based on how much of the Scripture is in us and how much we lean on Him. It is after all His Word that God promised to bless. It is the Word of God working in us that can make us more confident, effective and yes, wise. After all, “he that winneth souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30.)

Yes I know that people have a free will and can reject the saving grace of God. However, it is our responsibility to go forward empowered and confident that God will give the victory. Doubt on our part reflects on the One we represent. Why would someone give their life to and trust for salvation, when it comes across that we seem to have our doubts. I chose to believe in God not only for salvation but also for soul winning.

Our confidence in God’s ability to work through us in soul winning will be seen in the person who needs the Savior. That confidence that God will touch others through us may well be the impetuous to see someone make a decision to follow Christ. May we always remain confident in Christ and may we be used of God in the marvelous area of soul winning!

Copyright 2010 © Charles Lyons

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

It was a remarkable day... Let us not forget!

This is a remarkable weekend that is approaching. It is the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.

It is a day that serves to remind us well of the ultimate sacrifice of love. I encourage you to take some time between now and this weekend to read Isaiah 53. This prophetical documentation of the crucifixion cannot help but to humble us. In the face of so great a love that would allow God to sacrifice His Son or for Jesus to take on not simply the physical pain but the repulsion of all sin on Him is more than I can comprehend. Although it is rarely mentioned, meditate on how this affected the Spirit of God, He who is the very example of compassion and comfort, to witness and experience what was done to Jesus the Christ.

As we face another opportunity to demonstrate our love for God by coming together to worship and serve, let us be both mindful and thankful for His great love. May God truly bless you this day and everyday as we seek to serve our Lord.

God bless,

Charles

Copyright 2010 © Charles Lyons

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”