Rev. David Wilkerson Killed in TX Car Crash
Pastor David Wilkerson founded Teen Challenge which later became World Challenge, a ministry that helps rehabilitate drug addicts and bring them to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the '60s. He's also the author of the famous book, "The Cross and the Switchblade" which tells of the saga of his ministry which started with the gangs in the streets of New York. He also founded The Times Square Church. I thought now that we're in New York I will be able to visit that church but so far have not been able to. It's quite far from where we live and I will have to get up early to probably catch their morning service. And with my younger daughter's current "illness" I am not sure actually when I would be able to do that. Apparently, he and his wife have already retired and gone back to their home state of Texas and they have passed on the baton of the Times Square Church to younger pastors.
I am most impressed by his obedience to the Lord on his call to reach out to the underprivileged teenagers in the inner city of New York, especially those caught in the vicious cycle of poverty and drug addiction. He was a very skinny and young country pastor called by God to the glitzy city of New York. He didn't have much money and he knew nobody in New York. He only proceeded as the Holy Spirit led him, based on an article he read in LIFE magazine about a teenager who was facing criminal charges in New York. His love for those teenagers won them over to the Lord. His was a story of daring, raw faith and true love.
In memory of this genuine man of God who impacted my generation, I quote in full here his last blog "When All Means Fail." I believe it has a timely message for all of us, emphasis mine:
WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL by David Wilkerson, April 27, 2011
To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, "You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen" (John 20:29).
Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.
Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means. A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening.
That is when Satan's hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: "Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted."
Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: "Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don't quit on God—just do not trust him anymore. It doesn't pay!"
Even questioning God's existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries. Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.
To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, "I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain."
Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.---------------------------
May his final sermon bring a challenge and charge to our own lives. The Lord bless you, my dear friends!
No comments:
Post a Comment