Chariots to Carry
Mary Wilder Tileston's sermon emphasizes the transformative power of viewing our struggles as divine chariots leading us to spiritual victory.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the assurance of God's continuous presence and support throughout our lives, even into old age, promising to carry and deliver us. She emphasizes the abundant heavenly assistance available to us, likening it to the chariots of God, with thousands of angels surrounding us in our daily lives. Tileston encourages the congregation to see every challenge and hardship as a chariot sent by God to elevate them to spiritual victory, urging them to embrace these difficulties with gratitude and trust in God's loving guidance and protection.
Text
Even to your old age, I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
--ISAIAH 46:4
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels; the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.
--PSALMS 68:17
I HAVE not a shadow of doubt that if all our eyes could be opened today, we should see our homes, and our places of business, and the streets we traverse, filled with the "chariots of God." There is no need for any one of us to walk for lack of chariots. That cross inmate of your household, who has hitherto made life a burden to you, and who has been the Juggernaut car to crush your soul into the dust, may henceforth be a glorious chariot to carry you to the heights of heavenly patience and long-suffering. That misunderstanding, that mortification, that unkindness, that disappointment, that loss, that defeat,--all these are chariots waiting to carry you to the very heights of victory you have so longed to reach. Mount into them, then, with thankful hearts, and lose sight of all second causes in the shining of His love who will carry you in His arms safely and triumphantly over it all.
--HANNAH WHITALL SMITH
Sermon Outline
- I points: - God's promise of support in old age - Understanding the chariots of God - The presence of angels in our lives
- II points: - Seeing beyond our struggles - Transforming burdens into blessings - The role of faith in overcoming challenges
- III points: - The importance of gratitude - Recognizing divine assistance - Embracing trials as opportunities for growth
Key Quotes
“Even to your old age, I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels; the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“That misunderstanding, that mortification, that unkindness, that disappointment, that loss, that defeat,--all these are chariots waiting to carry you to the very heights of victory you have so longed to reach.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Recognize that every challenge can be a vehicle for growth and strength.
- Practice gratitude daily to shift your perspective on life's difficulties.
- Trust in God's presence and support through all stages of life.