A Response of Faith
God allows us to go through trials to test our faith and to help us grow in our relationship with Him, and He promises to bless those who trust in Him.
David Wilkerson addresses the struggles many face during life's storms, such as financial difficulties and personal tragedies, emphasizing that God sometimes leads us into dry places to test our faith. He reflects on Israel's experience at Rephidim, where God allowed them to thirst to elicit a response of faith and trust in Him. Wilkerson encourages believers to approach God with childlike trust, especially during prolonged trials, reminding them that God has a plan and will provide for their needs. He reassures that true blessing comes from placing total trust in God's Word and faithfulness, as He cannot lie.
Text
You may be going through the worst storm of your life -- a financial struggle, business troubles, slander, family problems or a personal tragedy. Restlessness keeps you awake at night, a cloud hanging over you. When you awaken, the dull ache is still with you and you cry, "God, how long will you allow me to go through this? When will it end?"
Let's look for a moment at Israel's experience at Rephidim: "Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink ... And the people thirsted there for water" (Exodus 17:1-3). The Scripture shows that God led Israel to the driest place in the whole wilderness -- no stream, no well, not a trickle of water -- where he allowed them to grow thirsty. The people complained to Moses but God had a plan! He was not going to allow them to die; he had a reservoir of water that he had prepared long before.
Why had God done this? He was waiting for a response of faith from Israel. He was saying, "I have taken you through all these things but you have refused to learn. Will you trust me now?"
Many Christians are being tested and tried right now because of unemployment. Their savings are dwindling and the situation looks hopeless. Others are enduring various forms of suffering. It is never easy. These faithful, anxiety-ridden people come to church and raise their hands in praises to the Lord. They smile and hug their brothers and sisters in Christ, yet they go through awful pain and insecurity.
Beloved, one reason your trial is prolonged is because God wants you to approach him with childlike trust and confidence. When a spiritual dryness sets in, God wants you to look to him: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord" (Jeremiah 17:7). If you put your total trust in his Word and his faithfulness, God has promised to bless you -- and he cannot lie!
Sermon Outline
- God's Plan in Times of Trial
- The Importance of Childlike Trust
- Responding to God's Call
- Approach God with confidence and trust
- Prolonged trials are an opportunity to grow in faith
Key Quotes
“He was waiting for a response of faith from Israel. He was saying, 'I have taken you through all these things but you have refused to learn. Will you trust me now?'” — David Wilkerson
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord” — David Wilkerson
“God has promised to bless you -- and he cannot lie!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Approach God with childlike trust and confidence during times of trial.
- Trust in God's Word and faithfulness, even when things seem hopeless.
- Prolonged trials are an opportunity to grow in faith and to deepen your relationship with God.