With the Wind in Your Face
As Christians, we must be willing to follow Christ, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable, and expect to face challenges along the way.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that as followers of Christ, we must accept the reality of facing challenges and adversities, symbolized by the 'wind in our face.' He references Samuel Rutherford's insight that being with Christ means we cannot expect an easy path, as the journey of faith often involves struggle and discomfort. Tozer acknowledges the natural desire for comfort and ease but reminds us that the Church has historically persevered through trials. Embracing the wind signifies our commitment to Christ and the strength found in enduring hardships together with Him.
Text
Are You Feeling the Wind? ?God hath called you to Christ?s side,? wrote the saintly Rutherford, ?and the wind is now in Christ?s face in this land; and seeing ye are with Him, ye cannot expect the leeside or the sunny side of the brae.? With that beautiful feeling for words that characterized Samuel Rutherford?s most casual utterance he here crystallizes for us one of the great radical facts of the Christian life. The wind is in Christ?s face, and because we go with Him we too shall have the wind in our face. We should not expect less. The yearning for the sunny side of the brae is natural enough, and for such sensitive creatures as we are it is, I suppose, quite excusable.
No one enjoys walking into a cold wind.
Yet the Church has had to march with the wind in her face through the long centuries.
Sermon Outline
- The Wind in Christ's Face
- The Natural Desire for Comfort
- The Church's Experience
- Marching with the Wind for Centuries
- The Reality of Walking into a Cold Wind
Key Quotes
“God hath called you to Christ?s side, and the wind is now in Christ?s face in this land; and seeing ye are with Him, ye cannot expect the leeside or the sunny side of the brae.” — A.W. Tozer
“The wind is in Christ?s face, and because we go with Him we too shall have the wind in our face.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- As a Christian, be prepared to face challenges and difficulties in your walk with God.
- Don't expect comfort or ease, but instead, be willing to follow Christ, even when it's hard.
- Remember that the Church has had to endure hardships throughout its history, and you can too.