Stand Still and Know
David Wilkerson shares a powerful testimony of how a moment of obedience led to the birth of a transformative ministry and highlights God's faithfulness in responding to our cries for help.
David Wilkerson shares a poignant experience from 1958 when he felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to reach out to seven teenage boys on trial for murder. Despite being removed from the courtroom and feeling humiliated, he prayed silently, questioning what went wrong. This moment of despair led to the birth of the Teen Challenge ministry, demonstrating God's faithfulness in responding to sincere cries for help. Wilkerson emphasizes that no matter how foolish our actions may seem, God hears every cry and is always ready to deliver those who trust in Him. His testimony reflects the enduring mercy and love of the Lord for all who call upon Him.
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In 1958, I was brokenhearted over a news story about seven teenage boys who stood trial for murdering a crippled boy. The Holy Spirit stirred in me so strongly that I felt led to go to the New York courthouse where the trial was taking place, and I entered the courtroom convinced the Spirit had prompted me to try to talk to those youngsters.
As the day's session came to a close, however, a realization began to dawn on me. I thought, "Those boys are going to be led out that side door in chains, and I will never see them again." So I got up and made my way down the aisle toward the judge's bench, where I asked to be allowed to talk with the boys before they returned to their cells.
In an instant, policemen pounced on me, and I was unceremoniously escorted from the courtroom. Flashbulbs popped all around me, and I was besieged with questions from reporters who were covering the trial. I could only stand there speechless, utterly dumbfounded, in a humiliating, embarrassing situation. I thought, "What will my church back home think? People are going to see me as crazy. I've been so naïve."
In the midst of all this chaos, I prayed inside, "Lord, I thought you told me to come here. What went wrong?" I couldn't pray out loud, of course, because the media would have thought I was even crazier than I appeared. (And I looked pretty silly already, as I was wearing a bow tie!)
God heard the cry of this poor man that day, and he has honored my silent cry ever since. You see, from that very pitiful scene in the courthouse, the Teen Challenge ministry was birthed, with a reach today that extends worldwide. And I happily share in David's humble testimony from Psalm 34: "My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad" (Psalm 34:2).
David is saying here, in essence, "I have something to tell all of God's humble people on earth, now and in ages to come. As long as this world exists, the Lord will deliver everyone who calls out to him and trusts in him. In his incredible mercy and love, he delivered me, even though I made a very foolish move."
All you need to know is that our blessed Lord hears every sincere cry, loud or unspoken, and he responds. Even if you acted foolishly or had a terrible failure of faith, you only need to get back to calling on your Deliverer. He is faithful to hear your cry and to act.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the story of the courtroom incident
- The emotional impact of witnessing the trial
- The prompting of the Holy Spirit
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II
- The moment of realization and fear
- The attempt to reach out to the boys
- The reaction from the authorities
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III
- The chaos and embarrassment faced
- The internal prayer and doubt
- The significance of silent cries to God
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IV
- The birth of the Teen Challenge ministry
- The global impact of the ministry
- The testimony of deliverance from Psalm 34
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V
- The assurance of God's response to cries for help
- The importance of humility in seeking God
- The promise of deliverance for all who call on Him
Key Quotes
“God heard the cry of this poor man that day, and he has honored my silent cry ever since.” — David Wilkerson
“Our blessed Lord hears every sincere cry, loud or unspoken, and he responds.” — David Wilkerson
“Even if you acted foolishly or had a terrible failure of faith, you only need to get back to calling on your Deliverer.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Trust that God hears your silent prayers and cries for help.
- Embrace humility and recognize that everyone can call on God for deliverance.
- Understand that even in moments of failure, God is faithful to respond to those who seek Him.