Standing Still Is an Act of Faith
David Wilkerson emphasizes that standing still in faith is an active choice to trust in God's promises and guidance amidst life's uncertainties.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that standing still is an active expression of faith, contrasting it with passivity and fate. He shares his personal struggle to discern God's voice amidst many competing influences, highlighting the importance of prayer and reliance on Scripture for guidance. Wilkerson reassures that while we may hear various voices, true faith involves trusting God's promises and waiting for His direction. He encourages believers to recognize their fallibility and to stand firm in faith, believing that God will lead and guide them through life's challenges.
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To stand still does not mean to be passive or to rest on fate. Fate says, "Whatever will be, will be." But faith changes everything. Standing still is an act of faith, an active resting on God's promises, a cessation of all questions, doubts and useless strivings.
Ever since I have been in the ministry, a major area of striving for me has been knowing the voice of God. I believe this struggle is common among Christians. We ask, "How can I know if the voice I hear is God's or my flesh?"
Whenever I face a critical need that requires an answer, I turn to the Lord in prayer. I cry out, "Father, Your Word says You speak to Your people. Please, God, speak to me. Give me Your direction!" And then I quote Scripture promises:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27).
"Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it" (Isaiah 30:21).
"[My] word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart" (Deuteronomy 30:14).
Indeed, a still, small voice often comes to us and as God begins to speak, we suddenly have a great sense of peace and calm. The voice is comforting, soothing, and we leave our prayer closet feeling wonderful. But sometimes the word we hear in prayer does not come to pass and we realize we have heard another voice -- not Christ's. In such a case, it was either the voice of our own desires and ambition or the voice of our flesh.
Paul says, "There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification" (1 Corinthians 14:10). There are many voices, including a voice of the flesh, a voice of the will, a voice of ambition -- and they all scream for our attention.
No matter how much we pray or how close we are to the Lord, we all are fallible and make mistakes. Our flesh still has a voice and at times it will get in the way.
Let me tell you how God brought me through this test of faith. I am convinced God prearranges and sets up all my circumstances. He has promised, by covenant, to lead me and guide me by His Spirit and to keep me from falling. So, now I pray in faith, believing His word to me and I stand still and wait for Him to act.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Definition of standing still in faith - Distinction between faith and fate - Active resting on God's promises
- II points: - Struggles in discerning God's voice - Common questions among Christians - Importance of prayer in seeking direction
- III points: - Scriptural promises of God's guidance - Experiencing peace in prayer - Recognizing false voices
- IV points: - The variety of voices in the world - Identifying the voice of the flesh - The need for discernment
- V points: - Personal testimony of faith testing - God's prearrangement of circumstances - The act of waiting in faith
Key Quotes
“Standing still is an act of faith, an active resting on God's promises.” — David Wilkerson
“There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.” — David Wilkerson
“I stand still and wait for Him to act.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Engage in regular prayer to seek God's direction and clarity.
- Be aware of the various voices that may influence your decisions and strive to discern God's voice.
- Practice patience and faith by waiting on God's timing in your life.