His Purpose
E.A. Johnston teaches that God's purpose is fulfilled through faith developed in adversity, assuring believers that all circumstances work together for their good and His glory.
In this devotional sermon titled "His Purpose," E.A. Johnston shares from personal experience and biblical examples to encourage believers to trust God's providence through trials. He emphasizes that faith is strengthened in adversity and that God's purpose is ultimately for the believer's good and His glory. Drawing on stories like Abraham, Lazarus, Joseph, and Peter, Johnston highlights God's power to deliver and transform lives. This message offers hope and assurance to those facing difficult circumstances.
Full Transcript
Those who know me know I have been through the deep waters of many afflictions and trying circumstances, yet I'm still alive and kicking, all to the glory of God. Years ago, during a morning quiet time while I was in prayer, I asked God to increase my faith and he led me to study the life of Abraham. Over the last several years, God has been faithful to my request for increased faith as he has methodically done so, his way and for his glory.
Faith is not built beneath calm, sunny skies, but built upon storm-tossed seas as all human resources are spent and the dark winds of adversity prevail as rolling waves crash into your boat. You realize that Christ is the anchor that holds you as all self-reliance is stripped away by providential circumstances, as the divine pruning knife cuts deep and strips away all that keeps one from being fruitful. If you ask God for change, be prepared to receive his merciful providences as well as his afflicting providences as he accomplishes his work in you.
The faith life is an adventure like no other. The mountain peaks are exhilarating and majestic and the dark valleys are peacefully accompanied by his wonderful presence. At times, God will allow the circumstances of his children to grow so desperate and bleak to go beyond their control and understanding with obstacles so overwhelming and seemingly impossible odds for delivery so that when God shows up and his delivery comes, his glory is magnified and his name exalted.
Such was the case with Lazarus, dead in the grave four days, Joseph forgotten in a dank Egyptian prison, and Peter in chains awaiting Herod's executioner. But God's arm is not too short to save and he still has power to deliver. Lazarus was raised to life, Joseph was released and exalted, and Peter was set free by the angel to proclaim liberty to the captives by the power of the gospel.
Romans 8 28 declares, and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. No matter, friends, how bad things look outwardly, we must remind ourselves that his eye is ever upon us, his loving care continually over us, his fatherly providence always working in us to will and to do for our good and his glory. Let us pray.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Personal testimony of affliction and faith
- God's faithfulness in increasing faith
- Study of Abraham as a model of faith
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II
- Faith grows through adversity, not ease
- Christ as the anchor in storms
- Divine pruning for fruitfulness
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III
- The adventure of the faith life with highs and lows
- God's deliverance in impossible situations
- Biblical examples: Lazarus, Joseph, Peter
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IV
- Romans 8:28 assurance
- God’s providential care and purpose
- Encouragement to trust God despite outward circumstances
Key Quotes
“Faith is not built beneath calm, sunny skies, but built upon storm-tossed seas as all human resources are spent and the dark winds of adversity prevail.” — E.A. Johnston
“Christ is the anchor that holds you as all self-reliance is stripped away by providential circumstances.” — E.A. Johnston
“No matter how bad things look outwardly, we must remind ourselves that his eye is ever upon us, his loving care continually over us.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Trust God’s providence even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
- Embrace trials as opportunities for faith to grow deeper and stronger.
- Remember biblical examples of deliverance to encourage perseverance.