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  HOLD ON TO THE HAND
  by Mary Wilder Tileston
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of holding onto God's hand
through prayer and trust, encouraging believers to overcome their faults
with childlike faith.

Topics: "Faith And Trust", "Intimacy With God"
Scripture References: Psalm 37:23, Proverbs 3:5, Isaiah 42:6, Philippians 4:6, James 4:8

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DESCRIPTION
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Mary Wilder Tileston, preaching on Isaiah 42:6, emphasizes the
importance of drawing closer to God and holding onto His hand. She
encourages not being content with focusing solely on faults but striving
to deepen the relationship with God through constant prayer, desire for
His presence, and seeking to please Him in all things. Like a child
holding its mother's hand, believers are urged to trust in God's
support, boldly moving forward despite stumbling, and finding comfort in
His loving embrace when faced with challenges.

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CONTENT
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I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand,
and will keep thee.

ISAIAH 42:6

DON'T be content with spending all your time on your faults, but try to
get a step nearer to God. It is not He who is far away from us, but we
from Him. If you ask me the best means to persevere, I would say, if you
have succeeded in getting hold of Almighty God's hand, don't let it go.
Keep hold of Him by constantly renewing ejaculatory prayers to Him, acts
of desire, and the seeking to please Him in little things.

MOTHER FRANCIS RAPHAEL

Strive to be as a little child who, while its mother holds its hand,
goes on fearlessly, and is not disturbed because it stumbles and trips
in its weakness. So long as God holds you up by the will and
determination to serve Him with which He inspires you, go on boldly and
do not be frightened at your little checks and falls, so long as you can
throw yourself into His arms in trusting love. Go there with an open,
joyful heart as often as possible; if not always joyful, at least go
with a brave and faithful heart.

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/mary-wilder-tileston/hold-on-to-the-hand/
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