Even the Faintest Call
God's promise of deliverance is clear and inclusive, and we can trust in His sovereignty to keep His word.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of calling upon the Lord for deliverance, reminding us that God is always near and ready to hear even our faintest cries. He questions why we often seek help from others or rely on our own plans instead of turning directly to God, who has promised to deliver us. Spurgeon reassures us that the promise of deliverance is for everyone, and we should trust in God's ability to fulfill His promises without needing to understand how. He encourages immediate action in calling upon God, as it is our duty to obey Him and trust in His wisdom. Ultimately, Spurgeon reminds us that our role is to seek God, who will provide the means for our deliverance.
Text
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shalt be delivered. (Joel 12:32)
Why do I not call on His name? Why do I run to this neighbor and that when God is so near and will hear my faintest call? Why do I sit down and devise schemes and invent plans! Why not at once roll my self and my burden upon the Lord? Straightforward is the best runner -- why do I not run at once to the living God? In vain shall I look for deliverance anywhere else; but with God I shall find it; for here I have Hi. royal "shall" to make it sure.
I need not ask whether I may call on Him or not, for that word whosoever is a very wide and comprehensive one. Whosoever means me, for it means anybody and everybody who calls upon God. I will therefore follow the leading of the text and at once call upon the glorious Lord who had made so large a promise.
My case is urgent, and I do not see how I am to be delivered; but this is no business of mine. He who makes the promise will find out ways and means of keeping it. It is mine to obey His commands; it is not mine to direct His counsels. I am His servant, not His solicitor. I call upon Him, and He will deliver me.
Sermon Outline
- The Urgency of Calling on God
- The Ease of Calling on God
- The Confidence in God's Deliverance
- God's sovereignty in keeping His promises
- Our role as servants, not solicitors
Key Quotes
“Why do I not call on His name? Why do I run to this neighbor and that when God is so near and will hear my faintest call?” — C.H. Spurgeon
“In vain shall I look for deliverance anywhere else; but with God I shall find it; for here I have His royal 'shall' to make it sure.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“It is mine to obey His commands; it is not mine to direct His counsels.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- When facing a problem, call on God immediately, trusting in His promise of deliverance.
- Recognize that God's sovereignty ensures He will find ways to keep His promises.
- Your role is to obey God's commands and call on Him, not to direct His counsels.