Why Did God Deliver You in the Past?
David Wilkerson emphasizes that our afflictions are a sign of God's love and serve to strengthen our faith as we trust in His deliverance.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that our afflictions are a testament to God's love and delight in us, as seen in Psalm 18. He encourages believers to view their trials as opportunities for growth and to remember that God has delivered them in the past, assuring them that their current struggles will eventually pass. Wilkerson reflects on his own experiences, noting that he learned more through afflictions than in times of prosperity, and urges listeners to respond to their challenges with faith rather than doubt. He reassures that God has a plan for each believer, preparing them for spiritual warfare and to be examples of faith.
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David wrote: "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. . . . He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented [came upon] me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me" (Psalm 18:6, 16-19).
Dear saint, rest assured that if you are being afflicted, it is because God delights in you. "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth" (Hebrews 12:6). Your afflictions are a sign of His love.
You must also remember that whatever you're going through will pass. Recently, I read a passage in one of my journals that I had written while going through a great trial. Three months' worth of entries all ended with the same phrase: "Oh, God, when will this nightmare end?" Then, finally, these words appeared across a page in huge letters: "IT'S OVER--HE HAS DELIVERED!"
I can honestly say I have learned more in my afflictions than I ever did in good times. Prosperity doesn't teach us--afflictions do. The humanitarian Albert Schweitzer said, "Happiness is good health and a bad memory." No, happiness is remembering all the ways God has brought us through.
I ask you again: How are you reacting to your afflictions? Are you wasting them, becoming a doubter and complainer? Or are you building up your faith, knowing that your God delivers?
There is only one way to endure your present troubles: Remember that your heavenly Father delights in you. He has a plan at work, a great investment in you. "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Your Father is preparing you to be a veteran of spiritual warfare, an example of faith and trust to this generation.
Sermon Outline
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I
- God's Delight in Us
- Afflictions as Evidence of Love
- The Purpose of Trials
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II
- The Assurance of Deliverance
- Learning Through Afflictions
- The Role of Memory in Faith
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III
- Responding to Afflictions
- Building Faith Instead of Doubt
- God's Ongoing Work in Us
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IV
- Preparation for Spiritual Warfare
- Becoming an Example of Faith
- Trusting God's Plan
Key Quotes
“Your afflictions are a sign of His love.” — David Wilkerson
“I can honestly say I have learned more in my afflictions than I ever did in good times.” — David Wilkerson
“He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Reflect on past trials and how God has delivered you to build your faith.
- Embrace your afflictions as opportunities for growth and learning.
- Trust that God is actively working in your life, preparing you for greater challenges ahead.