Concept of Living by Faith
The sermon emphasizes the importance of living by faith, trusting in God's plan and provision, and seeing miracles in everyday life.
K.P. Yohannan shares his journey of living by faith, detailing his decision to take time off for study and the challenges he faced while preparing to marry Gisela. He recounts the culture shock he experienced in Germany, particularly the financial strain of purchasing winter clothing, which was difficult for Gisela's parents to understand given his humble background as a street preacher. Despite these challenges, God provided for his needs through a series of miraculous events, including an unexpected invitation to study in the United States and the timely completion of his visa paperwork. This testimony emphasizes the importance of trusting God in uncertain circumstances and the miracles that can unfold when we step out in faith.
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I corresponded with Gisela. She had, in the meantime, returned to Germany. I decided I would take two years off from the work to study and make some life choices about my ministry and possible marriage.
I began writing letters abroad and became interested in the possibility of attending a Bible school in England. I also had invitations to speak in churches in Germany. In December I bought an air ticket out of India planning to be in Europe for Christmas with Gisela's family.
While there I got the first tremors of what soon would become an earthquake-size case of culture shock. As the snow fell, it was obvious to everyone I soon would have to buy a winter coat and boots--obvious, that is, to everyone except me. One look at the price tags sent me into deep trauma. For the cost of my coat and boots in Germany, I could have lived comfortably for months back in India.
And this concept of living by faith was hard for Gisela's parents to accept. Here was this penniless street preacher from India, without a single dollar of his own, insisting he was going to school but he didn't know where and, by now, asking to marry their daughter.
One by one the miracles occurred, though, and God met every need.
First, a letter arrived from E.A. Gresham, a total stranger from Dallas, Texas, who was then regional director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He had heard about me from a Scottish friend and invited me to come to the United States for two years of study at what was then the Criswell Bible Institute in Dallas. I replied positively and booked myself on a low-cost charter flight to New York with the last money I had.
This flight, it turned out, also was to become a miracle. Not knowing I needed a special student visa, I bought the ticket without the chance for refund. If I missed the flight, I would lose both my seat and the ticket.
Praying with my last ounce of faith, I asked God to intervene and somehow get the paperwork for the visa. As I prayed, a friend in Dallas, Texas, was strangely moved by God to get out of his car, go back to the office, and complete my paperwork and personally take it to the post office. In a continuous series of divinely arranged "coincidences," the forms arrived within hours of the deadline.
Before leaving for America, Gisela and I became engaged. I would go on to seminary alone, however. We had no idea when we would see each other again.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction to Living by Faith
- Faith in Action
- Conclusion
- Faith as a Way of Life
- Trust in God's Provision
Key Quotes
“One look at the price tags sent me into deep trauma.” — K.P. Yohannan
“One by one the miracles occurred, though, and God met every need.” — K.P. Yohannan
“Praying with my last ounce of faith, I asked God to intervene and somehow get the paperwork for the visa.” — K.P. Yohannan
Application Points
- We can trust in God's provision and plan, even when it seems uncertain or impossible.
- Living by faith means seeing miracles in everyday life and trusting in God's goodness and provision.
- Faith is a way of life that requires trust in God's plan and provision.