What Time I Am Afraid, I Will Trust in Thee
Developing strong faith requires enduring great trials and trusting in God, even in the midst of affliction.
The preacher delves into the meaning of stumbling (ptaio) in the New Testament, emphasizing its figurative use to denote error, sin, and failure to keep God's law. Through the study of key Bible verses, the sermon explores the concept of stumbling in faith, the importance of diligence in pursuing virtues, and the assurance of believers' entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The preacher highlights the need for believers to diligently seek the sealing of the Spirit, pursue godliness, and make their calling and election sure to secure a rich and abundant reward in the life to come.
Text
I shall never forget a remark George Mueller once made in answer to a gentleman who asked him the best way to have strong faith. "The only way to learn strong faith," replied the patriarch of faith, 16 is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm in severe testing. What Mr. Mueller said is very true. The time to trust is when all else fails. If we could only realize the value of our present opportunity. Even while we are passing through these great afflictions, we are being held in the very soul of the strongest faith. If we will only let go, He will teach us in these hours the mightiest hold upon this throne which we can ever know.
Be not afraid, only believe.
If you are afraid, just look up and say, What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee, and you will yet thank God for the school of sorrow which was to you the school of faith. 0 brother, give heed to the warning, And obey His voice today. The Spirit to thee is calling, Oh, do not grieve Him away.
Sermon Outline
- The Source of Strong Faith
- The Time to Trust
- The Power of Faith in Affliction
- Overcoming Fear
- Looking Up and Trusting
- Finding Faith in Sorrow
Key Quotes
“The only way to learn strong faith is to endure great trials.” — A.B. Simpson
“Be not afraid, only believe.” — A.B. Simpson
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee, and you will yet thank God for the school of sorrow which was to you the school of faith.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- When faced with trials and affliction, trust in God and look up to Him for strength and comfort.
- Faith can be a powerful source of comfort and strength in times of sorrow and hardship.
- Developing strong faith requires a willingness to endure great trials and learn to trust in God through testing.