We Are Not Orphans
We are not orphans in this world because the divine Shepherd goes before us and guides us on our appointed way.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that Christian believers are not orphans, as they are guided by the divine Shepherd who leads them on a purposeful journey. He addresses a reader's inquiry about the concept of an 'appointed way,' clarifying that he does not intend to delve into complex doctrines like foreordination but rather to express confidence that God can turn even life's accidents into blessings for those who trust Him. Tozer reassures believers that they can rest easy knowing that God's care transcends denominational differences.
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I once wrote in an editorial that Christian believers are not orphans in this world, making the point that the divine Shepherd goes before us and that we travel an appointed way. A reader wrote to question my allusion to our traveling an "appointed" way, asking: "I was brought up a Methodist. In your comments, do you mean this to be foreordination? That is what the Presbyterians believe.
Just what did you mean?" I replied that I had not meant to go down that deep into doctrine-that I had not been thinking of foreordination, predestination or the eternal decrees. "I was just satisfied that if a consecrated Christian will put himself in the hands of God, even the accidents may be turned into blessings," I told him.
Anyway, I am sure the Methodist brother can go to sleep at night knowing that he does not have to become a Presbyterian to be certain that God is looking after him!
Sermon Outline
- We Are Not Orphans
- Trust in God's Sovereignty
- The Divine Shepherd Goes Before Us
- Our Journey Is an Appointed Way
- God Turns Accidents into Blessings
- Faith in God's Plan
Key Quotes
“I was just satisfied that if a consecrated Christian will put himself in the hands of God, even the accidents may be turned into blessings.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Trust in God's sovereignty and plan for your life.
- Put yourself in God's hands and trust that even accidents can be turned into blessings.
- Faith in God's plan will give you peace and guidance in uncertain times.