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David Wilkerson

David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.
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David Wilkerson emphasizes that in times of deep sorrow and despair, it is natural to cry and express our pain, as there is healing power in our tears. He reassures that God understands our struggles and allows us to question Him, but ultimately calls us to trust in His promises. Mourning does not equate to a lack of faith; rather, it is a part of the healing process. Wilkerson encourages believers to turn to God's Word for comfort and strength, reminding them that their trials will pass and healing will come. The sermon highlights the importance of trusting God amidst confusion and doubt.
There Is Healing in Your Tears
Are you in a frightening place right now? Do you feel hopeless, empty, stripped to nothing? I say to you, your trial will pass but what does God expect of you now, in the midst of it? Perhaps you are grieving, anguishing over a struggle that doesn’t seem to end. You’re bowed low, more discouraged than you have ever been. Your friends may tell you, “Don’t cry and mourn. That’s not showing faith.” But the truth is, if you have faith, you are able to cry. You can’t avoid your pain; in fact, there is healing power in your tears. Your mourning has nothing to do with whether you trust in God’s Word. At times, you may wonder, “Lord, what did I do wrong? Is this your judgment on me?” You may even feel like confronting him, crying, “Why did you let this happen?” I tell you, God gives you time for those questions. He allows your flesh to have its tantrums. Finally, the Lord comes to you and says, “You’ve had a right to all your feelings, but you have no reason to accuse me or doubt me. I’ve given you a promise. Indeed, I’ve given you everything you need. You are to lay hold of that promise now. If you do, my Word will become life to you and bring healing that is greater than any medicine, more powerful than any river of tears.” Throughout the Bible, we find godly men and women who have gone through deep tremblings of soul and spirit. Over and over, the Psalmist asks, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” (Psalm 42:5). Also in 43:6 and 11 and Psalm 43:5, we see a similar sentiment. The Lord understands your times of confusion and doubt and he is waiting for you to look to him and trust him. “You’ve cried it all out and now I want you to trust me. Go back to my Word and I will see you through.” Trust his promises and allow him to become the joy of your life.
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David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.