Where to Look When Doubt Arises
David Wilkerson's sermon emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God in times of doubt, using Noah's story as a powerful example.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the face of doubt, using Noah's story as a powerful example. In a time of rampant wickedness, Noah was called by God to build an ark, a task that seemed illogical and daunting amidst the chaos around him. Despite mockery and silence from God, Noah persevered in his faith and obedience, ultimately becoming a symbol of righteousness. Wilkerson encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when they feel abandoned or uncertain, reminding them that victory comes through Christ. The message serves as a reminder that faith can lead to triumph, even in the darkest of times.
Text
Noah lived in a generation that had spun out of control. Violence and murder were rampant and unspeakable wickedness had spread wantonly.
"Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth ... And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth ... So the Lord said, 'I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping things and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them'" (Genesis 6:5-7).
God told Noah, "I'm going to destroy all flesh but I will preserve you and your family. I want you to build an ark, Noah, and gather into it all the animal species, in twos. While you are building, I will show mercy to the inhabitants of the earth for a season and then I will send a rain that will not stop for forty days and nights. A great flood will wipe out every living thing." Then God gave Noah the dimensions of the ark -- its length, wide and depth -- in great detail (see Genesis 6:11-22).
Noah was given the task of building an enormous ark while living in a violent, dangerous world. He had to accept it all by faith, with no further direction for many years. I'm certain he was mocked and threatened as he tediously worked, yet he kept building and believing while the world around him danced, partied and wallowed in sensuality.
God told this man, "I'm asking you to obey me, and if you ever start to doubt, you must trust what I've told you." This was so illogical and unreasonable that Noah must have become discouraged at times and wondered if he had really heard from God.
Have you ever felt God was speaking to you and then there was silence? No further direction, no sign from heaven? Be encouraged! Noah remained faithful and because of his obedience, he is listed as a victor in the "Hall of Faith," becoming an "heir of the righteousness which is according to faith" (Hebrews 11:7). In your time of trouble, take hope that just like the great heroes listed, the victory is yours in Christ.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Noah's world
- The wickedness and violence of the time
- God's decision to destroy humanity
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II
- God's command to Noah
- The significance of the ark
- Details of the ark's construction
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III
- Noah's faith amidst doubt
- Challenges faced during construction
- The importance of obedience
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IV
- God's silence and its implications
- Encouragement to remain faithful
- Noah's legacy in the Hall of Faith
Key Quotes
“I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth ... for I am sorry that I have made them.” — David Wilkerson
“If you ever start to doubt, you must trust what I've told you.” — David Wilkerson
“Noah remained faithful and because of his obedience, he is listed as a victor in the 'Hall of Faith.'” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Trust in God's promises even when you feel uncertain.
- Remain faithful in your tasks, regardless of external pressures or ridicule.
- Draw strength from the examples of biblical heroes who overcame doubt.