Irresistible Artillery
John Henry Jowett emphasizes the power of genuine prayer as an irresistible force against our enemies.
John Henry Jowett emphasizes the power of genuine, heartfelt cries to the Lord in prayer, likening it to a desperate cry for help like that of a drowning person. He highlights how this type of prayer can bring about a spiritual battle where invisible allies are called into action, causing enemies to retreat. Jowett encourages believers to have faith based on past experiences of answered prayers, knowing that God has the power to intervene and bring victory in times of trouble.
Text
"_When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back._"
--PSALM lvi.
But it must be a real "cry"! It must not be an idle recitation which sheds
no blood. It must be a cry like the cry of the drowning, a cry which
cleaves the air like a bullet. Said a man to me some while ago, "Assault
the heavens with cries for me!" That is the cry which takes the kingdom by
storm.
When such a cry rends the heavens, "my enemies turn back." A secret and
irresistible artillery begins to play upon them, and their strength fails.
Yes, believing prayer calls these invisible allies into the field. "The
mountains are full of horses and chariots of fire round about!" And the
enemy flies!
"_This I know._" The psalmist is building upon experience. The miracle
has happened a hundred times. Many a morning has he seen the enemy
vaingloriously tramping the field, and he has cried unto the Lord, and
before nightfall there has been a perfect rout. Blessed is the man who has
had such heartening dealings with the Lord that he can now face a hostile
host in unclouded faith and assurance!
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Nature of the Cry - The Importance of Genuine Prayer - The Power of a Desperate Plea
- II points: - The Response of God - The Turning Back of Enemies - The Assurance of Victory
- III points: - The Role of Believing Prayer - Invisible Allies in Battle - The Evidence of God's Faithfulness
- IV points: - Personal Testimonies of Deliverance - Facing Adversity with Confidence - The Impact of Past Experiences on Faith
Key Quotes
“When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back.” — John Henry Jowett
“It must be a cry like the cry of the drowning, a cry which cleaves the air like a bullet.” — John Henry Jowett
“Blessed is the man who has had such heartening dealings with the Lord.” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- Engage in heartfelt prayer that reflects your true desperation for God's help.
- Trust in God's faithfulness based on past experiences of deliverance.
- Recognize the unseen support that God provides in times of trouble.