Lean on Him an E a Johnston Classic
E.A. Johnston teaches that in the face of devastating trials, believers must find hope and strength by leaning on God.
In 'Lean on Him an E A Johnston Classic,' E.A. Johnston shares a deeply personal testimony of facing devastating news with faith. He encourages believers to find hope and strength by leaning on God, even in the most difficult circumstances. This devotional sermon highlights the importance of trusting God as the 'one thing needful' and offers practical encouragement for those enduring trials.
Full Transcript
There's some hope in this verse, and I'll close with this. There's some hope in this text. I got some devastating news this week.
Very crushing news. My wife got a bad report from the doctor. She has an incurable disease.
Her mother died of this disease this year at the age of 60, and now my wife has it. It seems possibly that she's lacking an enzyme in her body. It's genetic, and it makes you an invalid eventually, and you literally suffocate to death.
It's horrible. It's horrible. But we got that news this week.
Well, what do you do when you get news like that? I tell you what you do. You stand on this, and you lean on him. That's what you do.
One thing needful. One thing needful.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to devastating news
- Personal story of illness in family
- The reality of suffering
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II
- The natural human response to bad news
- The temptation to despair
- The need for hope
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III
- The biblical call to lean on God
- The example of 'one thing needful'
- Finding strength through faith
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IV
- Encouragement to believers
- Practical ways to lean on God
- Closing with hope
Key Quotes
“Well, what do you do when you get news like that? I tell you what you do. You stand on this, and you lean on him.” — E.A. Johnston
“One thing needful. One thing needful.” — E.A. Johnston
“It's horrible. It's horrible. But we got that news this week.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- When facing hardship, intentionally turn to God for strength and comfort.
- Prioritize your relationship with God above all else as your source of hope.
- Encourage others by sharing how faith sustains you in difficult times.