Why God Used George Whitefield
David Ford shares how George Whitefield's consistent prayer and fellowship, as well as his prioritization of time, led to God using him in a significant way.
This sermon reflects on the life of George Whitefield, exploring the elements that contributed to God using him for His glory. It emphasizes Whitefield's commitment to prayer, fellowship, and seeking God diligently in private, highlighting the importance of cultivating a deep relationship with God behind the scenes, away from the public eye.
Full Transcript
George Whitefield, my mentor. Let's say you're 16 years old and you want God to really use your life for his glory. Let's say you're asking the question, why did God use George Whitefield? Outside of the sovereignty of God, if I can put it that way, what were elements in his life as to why God used George Whitefield? Let me give you a short story to give you an example of why I think and why I believe God used George Whitefield.
He and some friends were fellowshipping together and they were going over to the coast. They boarded a ship to travel over to the U.S. The ship hadn't arrived yet. They went back that night and arrived at a widow's home, all of them, and they stayed at a widow's home that night.
At 9 o'clock when they arrived at the house, they went in. Of course, all things were set and well for them. They went into prayer and singing and fellowship, but mainly prayer.
They prayed from 9 p.m. till midnight. It wasn't planned. It wasn't organized.
Whitefield just was so thrilled and blessed that he had friends who walked with God that way. They went to bed at midnight. Whitefield was up early, early every single morning, 4 or 5 o'clock in the morning.
He was up very meticulous about his time. They went back into prayer again the next morning at 9 o'clock. The same people.
You say, why did God use him? It wasn't about the platform. It wasn't about being seen. It was about what he did in the hours when nobody could watch or see his life.
He didn't waste it away in our contemporary age, we would say, watching a bunch of movies and reading a bunch of magazines. He sought the face of God. I believe he took seriously Hosea 10-12.
So do yourselves in righteousness. Reap in mercy. Break up your foul little ground, for it's time to seek the Lord until he comes and rains righteousness upon you.
Sermon Outline
- George Whitefield's Character
- The Importance of Prayer
- The Sovereignty of God
- A Life of Purpose
- Seeking God's face is key to a life of purpose
- Prioritizing prayer and fellowship leads to a life of purpose
Key Quotes
“He didn't waste it away in our contemporary age, we would say, watching a bunch of movies and reading a bunch of magazines. He sought the face of God.” — David Ford
“So do yourselves in righteousness. Reap in mercy. Break up your foul little ground, for it's time to seek the Lord until he comes and rains righteousness upon you.” — David Ford
Application Points
- Prioritize prayer and fellowship in your daily life to seek God's face and live a life of purpose.
- Consistent prayer is essential for a life of purpose, and should not be limited to special occasions.
- Seeking God's face is key to a life of purpose, and should be a regular part of your daily life.