David Wilkerson's sermon reminds us that God has not forsaken us and encourages faith and healing in times of pain.
This sermon is a powerful testimony of God's love and compassion, showcasing a miraculous intervention in the life of a woman named Rachel and her family. It emphasizes the importance of caring for others, praying for healing, and renewing faith in Christ, inviting those who are struggling to come forward for prayer and restoration. The message highlights the comfort and hope found in Jesus, who understands our pain and walks with us through our battles, offering grace, mercy, and ultimate victory.
Full Transcript
She loves the Lord. Her desire, she had wanted to come to New York, to Times Square Church. And she wanted to see the Empire State Building.
And I think it was also a Christmas tree. So we flew them out, and they're here this morning. Just hold still.
Just hold still for just a moment. Her mother and daughter almost lost faith because nobody cared. They asked for churches to help her get to her award ceremony in Nevada, and they just couldn't raise money.
It appeared, and her son, I think, said he couldn't believe that, you know, that the church cared. But when we called the admissions department of this church, they got in action. And my son met them at the airport Friday night, and took them yesterday, I think, to the Empire State Building.
Did you go to Rockefeller Plaza? I asked them. We asked them to come so that we could pray. That's what this church is about.
That's what Christ is all about. Caring. Mama, stand, if you will, please.
And Rachel, will you stand? Just turn around so the people can pray for you. Just turn around. Let's stand and pray for her right now.
Let's believe the Lord. Lord, you've not given up on Rachel. You've not given up on her.
You've not forsaken her. And you know the pain that she bears. And her pain of her mother.
Lord, we're asking now as a church body. Folks, will you pray with me right now? Lord, I'm asking. I believe that God can change things.
I believe, Lord, that you can touch her. You can heal her. Lord, you can cause her to walk again.
You can cause her, Lord, to have faith renewed. Come now, Lord Jesus, and lay hold of us. Lord, we're not just preaching theory.
We're not preaching theology. We are being surprised by the Holy Ghost right now that God is in control. And God has arranged a miracle.
And I pray for this miracle to happen. A change. A miraculous change.
In Christ's name. Amen. Remain standing, if you will, please.
Mom and Rachel. Honey, we love you. We'll see you back.
God bless you, dear. You're loved. And we're going to be praying for you so much.
Because of this, I will know for the rest of my life that God truly loves me. Rachel. Come on.
Can you walk? Did you see the Empire State? Yes, I did. Well, I saw Rockefeller Center. And I went to Saks Fifth Avenue and had dinner.
With a lovely young man named Tim. He took us around New York City. Showed us a very nice time over here.
You are loved. And you have thousands of people. And I pray for you.
You're going to see some changes in your life. God bless you. Would you take him backstage? Thank you.
Thank you, Missions Department. Pastor Carter. This Missions Department is incredible.
They get so excited about helping people. We thank you so much. Will you bow your heads? Lord.
Will you please come in a special way for a few moments again in this special service and bring a healing touch to those Lord, who have had this terrible thought infused in their mind by the enemy. God has passed you by. And they're overwhelmed by a trial.
Overwhelmed by something they're going through. My Lord and God, come now with comfort by your spirit. God, let this be turned into a healing service right now.
Lord, turn it into a healing service. If you're here this morning and I don't know how to describe this, but if this message was meant for you. If something that was said just go deep in your heart.
It's moved something deep inside of you. Something unexplainable. Could be about your own personal pain.
I want you to come for healing. I want you to come to have your faith renewed. If you don't know Christ or if you've turned away or backslidden, will you come and join these people and surrender and say, Jesus, I come to you because you're the only way.
You're the only hope. Get out of your seat and come and we'll pray for you. Up in the balcony, go to the stairs on either side.
And those that are in the annex, I'm going to let you come down also. I think today there may be room for you. Just ask the ushers to show you the way down into the Manotorium.
Even if you have to stand in an aisle. And we'll pray and come. Please don't come unless the Spirit is moving and you say, God is speaking to me this morning.
I've got to have hope. I have to have hope. I need my faith renewed.
Whatever it may be that you're experiencing. Come and listen. You are all that we want and all that we need.
Come now and touch every heart that has come here in hope and faith. I want to give you folks a scripture. I want you to listen to this, please.
From 2 Corinthians 4, 8 and 9. We are troubled, Paul said, on every side, yet not distressed. We are perplexed, but we're not in despair. We're persecuted, but we're not forsaken.
We're cast down, but we're not destroyed. Hallelujah. Will you take that? Cast down, yes.
I get cast down at times. Yes, I'm being tested and tried and yes, I'm going through pain. But we're not destroyed and we're not forsaken.
And I was sitting in the pulpit anticipating coming to the stage here and I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to my heart and it was the words of Jesus through His Spirit to my heart. He said, David, you're going to preach about pain but I want you to know I feel your pain too. And that's what He wants to say to you.
I feel your pain. I know what you're going through. And He is a friend.
I approach Jesus as my friend. Not as my judge, but as my friend. The Bible said He's a lamb.
You come to the Lamb. The meek Lamb of God right now. And would you whisper this prayer from your heart, Lord Jesus? I want to trust You in my battle.
In my pain. Help my unbelief. Lord Jesus, draw me to Your Word.
Draw me to the Scriptures and lead me and speak to me through Your Word. Now just thank You. Lord Jesus, we give You thanks.
We give You praise for Your utter faithfulness. I want to pray one final purview. Lord, we don't know how as pastors, we don't know how to get down to the very root.
That's the work of Your Spirit. Only You know how to comfort. We can give words, but it's the final analysis.
It's the Holy Spirit that we open our hearts to. And we say, Holy Spirit, this body is Your temple. You live here.
And You're here now. You'll never leave me. You'll never forsake me.
And You'll bring me to Christ. And You'll bring me to peace. And You'll give me grace.
You will see me through my battle. Folks, thank Him for grace and mercy in the time of need.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the importance of faith and community support
- Personal story of Rachel and her mother's struggles
- The church's role in providing hope and assistance
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II
- God's unwavering love and presence in times of pain
- The significance of prayer and collective faith
- Encouragement to those feeling forsaken
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III
- Scriptural foundation: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
- Understanding trials and the promise of not being destroyed
- The comfort of Jesus as a friend in our struggles
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IV
- Call to action for personal healing and faith renewal
- Invitation to surrender to Christ
- The role of the Holy Spirit in our healing journey
Key Quotes
“I believe that God can change things.” — David Wilkerson
“You are all that we want and all that we need.” — David Wilkerson
“I feel your pain. I know what you're going through.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Reach out to those in need within your community to offer support and love.
- Take time to pray and seek God's presence in your struggles.
- Trust in the Holy Spirit to guide you through your pain and renew your faith.
