Plant a Tree
David Wilkerson's sermon encourages believers to remain faithful and active in their faith despite life's uncertainties and challenges.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that God does not promise a life free from suffering or worldly security, but instead offers peace and assurance for our souls. He reminds believers that despite the foreboding future, we need not fear because God is in control and knows the appointed time of Christ's return. Wilkerson encourages Christians to remain diligent in their work for God, living as if Christ could return at any moment, and to embody the spirit of planting seeds of faith and good works. He cites D.L. Moody's response about planting a tree as a metaphor for being proactive in our faith. Ultimately, he reassures us that God is attentive to our needs and fears, urging us to trust in His provision.
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God has not promised to keep his children from suffering. He has not promised to keep us from facing an hour of need. We have no promise of world peace, tranquility, security or continuous financial well-being. We are promised peace and security of soul and mind--the supernatural provision for every true need--and assurance that we would never have to beg for bread. God would rather we come to the place Paul the apostle came to when he said, "Having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (1 Timothy 6:8).
The future looks evil and foreboding. But David said in Psalm 23, "I will fear no evil." This is the message for believers today. The future is also under his control, so we need not fear. God has it all preprogrammed. He knows the exact moment Christ will return. The God who controls all of heaven and earth said: "The nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance...All nations before him are as nothing...less than nothing" (Isaiah 40:15, 17).
God wants us to keep working until the return of Christ. That means simply that we are to work as though the end will never come, and live as though it were coming tomorrow. The great evangelist D.L. Moody was asked, "What would you do today if you knew Jesus Christ was coming tomorrow?" His answer came, "I would plant a tree." So let it be. Let the true Christian go about planting and sowing God's seed and keeping busy doing God's work. When he returns, let him find us "doing his will."
God is still counting the very hairs on our heads. He is still counting the sparrows that fall. He is still hearing petitions before they are asked. He is still answering before being called. He is still giving abundantly more than we can ask or think. So why be afraid?
Sermon Outline
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I
- God's promises during suffering
- Contentment in all circumstances
- The assurance of provision
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II
- Facing an uncertain future
- God's control over the future
- Living without fear
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III
- The call to work until Christ's return
- The importance of planting seeds
- Being found doing God's will
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IV
- God's attentiveness to our needs
- His abundant provision
- Overcoming fear through faith
Key Quotes
“Having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” — David Wilkerson
“I will fear no evil.” — David Wilkerson
“I would plant a tree.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Trust in God's provision and remain content in all circumstances.
- Continue to work and plant seeds of faith as if Christ's return is imminent.
- Overcome fear by remembering God's attentiveness and care for our needs.