Hold on to the Hand
The sermon emphasizes the importance of holding onto God's hand through prayer and trust, encouraging believers to overcome their faults with childlike faith.
Mary Wilder Tileston, preaching on Isaiah 42:6, emphasizes the importance of drawing closer to God and holding onto His hand. She encourages not being content with focusing solely on faults but striving to deepen the relationship with God through constant prayer, desire for His presence, and seeking to please Him in all things. Like a child holding its mother's hand, believers are urged to trust in God's support, boldly moving forward despite stumbling, and finding comfort in His loving embrace when faced with challenges.
Text
I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee.
ISAIAH 42:6
DON'T be content with spending all your time on your faults, but try to get a step nearer to God. It is not He who is far away from us, but we from Him. If you ask me the best means to persevere, I would say, if you have succeeded in getting hold of Almighty God's hand, don't let it go. Keep hold of Him by constantly renewing ejaculatory prayers to Him, acts of desire, and the seeking to please Him in little things.
MOTHER FRANCIS RAPHAEL
Strive to be as a little child who, while its mother holds its hand, goes on fearlessly, and is not disturbed because it stumbles and trips in its weakness. So long as God holds you up by the will and determination to serve Him with which He inspires you, go on boldly and do not be frightened at your little checks and falls, so long as you can throw yourself into His arms in trusting love. Go there with an open, joyful heart as often as possible; if not always joyful, at least go with a brave and faithful heart.
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding God's Call
- The Importance of Holding God's Hand
- Recognizing Our Distance from God
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II
- The Role of Prayer in Our Journey
- Acts of Desire and Seeking God
- Overcoming Faults and Weaknesses
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III
- Childlike Trust in God
- Embracing Our Stumbles
- The Power of Trusting Love
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IV
- Renewing Our Commitment
- Living with a Joyful Heart
- Facing Challenges with Faith
Key Quotes
“DON'T be content with spending all your time on your faults, but try to get a step nearer to God.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“So long as God holds you up by the will and determination to serve Him with which He inspires you, go on boldly.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Go there with an open, joyful heart as often as possible; if not always joyful, at least go with a brave and faithful heart.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Make a habit of short, sincere prayers throughout your day to stay connected with God.
- Approach your challenges with the confidence that God is holding you up, even in your weaknesses.
- Cultivate a joyful heart by regularly reflecting on God's love and support in your life.