Courage under fire
Recently, we watched a movie called The Great Awakening. The story is based on the real life of George Whitefield, an English Anglican preacher who simply wasn't made for an ordinary life. Before entering ministry, Whitefield pursued poetry and the stage. Raised in poverty by a single mother, his future in the early 1700s did not appear promising. Yet his mother was a woman of faith—a mother who believed God had a purpose for her son and that one day this poor boy would stand behind a pulpit and be used mightily by God.
Never underestimate the power of a praying mother. God hears her prayers.
George Whitefield (pronounced Whitt-field) would eventually become one of the most influential preachers in history. He also played a significant role in impacting the life of Benjamin Franklin. In 1732, Whitefield entered Pembroke College, Oxford, where he began a journey that would leave a lasting mark on both England and America.
With a voice that could capture attention from blocks away, Whitefield preached the gospel to massive crowds. There were no cars, no internet, no television, and no social media. Yet God used his boldness, charisma, and passion to reach thousands. At a time when many pulpits lacked spiritual fire, Whitefield stood apart.
In an interesting twist of providence, God even used an atheist to help spread Whitefield's message. That atheist owned a successful printing business and realized he could make a considerable profit by printing Whitefield's sermons and literature. Through those printed messages, the gospel reached countless people. That businessman was Benjamin Franklin.
Whitefield was blind in one eye. He had no modern conveniences, only a horse, an unwavering calling, and a burning desire to take the gospel to anyone willing to listen. Armed with uncommon courage and deep conviction, he stepped into God's purpose for his life.
It wasn't easy. In fact, much of the opposition he faced came from within the church itself. He experienced resistance from both within and without. Courage under fire will either break you or strengthen your resolve to keep fighting for what matters most.
In 2 Corinthians 11:23–33, the Apostle Paul recounts the many hardships he endured for the glory of God. Among the most painful was being "in perils among false brethren." Trials have a way of revealing why we do what we do. For both Paul and Whitefield, the answer was simple: to bring glory to God and to His Christ.
One of the most memorable lines in the film comes when Whitefield prays that God would destroy the name "Whitefield" if necessary, so that people would see only Christ and exalt His name alone.
Friend, can I tell you something? Your name and my name do not matter nearly as much as we often think they do. Live a life that continually points people to Jesus Christ and to His name alone. When you choose to live that way, you will find rest for your soul and joy in giving everything you have for the Kingdom of God.
Never underestimate the power of a praying mother. God hears her prayers.
George Whitefield (pronounced Whitt-field) would eventually become one of the most influential preachers in history. He also played a significant role in impacting the life of Benjamin Franklin. In 1732, Whitefield entered Pembroke College, Oxford, where he began a journey that would leave a lasting mark on both England and America.
With a voice that could capture attention from blocks away, Whitefield preached the gospel to massive crowds. There were no cars, no internet, no television, and no social media. Yet God used his boldness, charisma, and passion to reach thousands. At a time when many pulpits lacked spiritual fire, Whitefield stood apart.
In an interesting twist of providence, God even used an atheist to help spread Whitefield's message. That atheist owned a successful printing business and realized he could make a considerable profit by printing Whitefield's sermons and literature. Through those printed messages, the gospel reached countless people. That businessman was Benjamin Franklin.
Whitefield was blind in one eye. He had no modern conveniences, only a horse, an unwavering calling, and a burning desire to take the gospel to anyone willing to listen. Armed with uncommon courage and deep conviction, he stepped into God's purpose for his life.
It wasn't easy. In fact, much of the opposition he faced came from within the church itself. He experienced resistance from both within and without. Courage under fire will either break you or strengthen your resolve to keep fighting for what matters most.
In 2 Corinthians 11:23–33, the Apostle Paul recounts the many hardships he endured for the glory of God. Among the most painful was being "in perils among false brethren." Trials have a way of revealing why we do what we do. For both Paul and Whitefield, the answer was simple: to bring glory to God and to His Christ.
One of the most memorable lines in the film comes when Whitefield prays that God would destroy the name "Whitefield" if necessary, so that people would see only Christ and exalt His name alone.
Friend, can I tell you something? Your name and my name do not matter nearly as much as we often think they do. Live a life that continually points people to Jesus Christ and to His name alone. When you choose to live that way, you will find rest for your soul and joy in giving everything you have for the Kingdom of God.
Posted in Courage
Posted in George Whitefield, courage, preach, preacher, boldness, evangelist, fire, history, not afraid, called
Posted in George Whitefield, courage, preach, preacher, boldness, evangelist, fire, history, not afraid, called
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