The Lord Shall Answer
God promises to be gracious to us at the voice of our cry, and His presence in trouble is a guarantee of deliverance.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the comforting assurance that the Lord hears our cries and is always present to answer us. She emphasizes that even a simple cry from the heart is enough for God to be gracious and attentive to our needs. Tileston reminds us that God's faithfulness extends beyond just answering prayers; it reveals His loving nature towards us. She encourages believers to trust that God will never give us more than we can handle and that He is always near, ready to deliver us from our troubles.
Text
Then shall thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am.
ISAIAH 58:9
EVER quickly Thou dost hear
Thy children's feeble cry,
And dost keep them everywhere
Beneath Thy watchful eye;
And 'midst the worlds that lean on Thee
Thou hast faithful thoughts of me.
ANONYMOUS
"HE will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry." That has comforted me often, more than any promise of answer; it includes answers, and a great deal more besides; it tells us what He is towards us, and that is more than what He will do. And the "cry" is not long, connected, thoughtful prayers, a cry is just an unworded dart upwards of the heart, and at that "voice" He will be very gracious. What a smile there is in these words!
F. R. HAVERGAL
He that hath not tempted you hitherto above your strength will continue so to the end. If, for a time, He hide His face from you, yet He doth it but for a moment, to make you the more heartily to cry to Him; and surely He will hear you, not only when you are in crying, but also whilst you are in thinking how to cry. He is with you in trouble, and will indeed deliver you.
JOHN BRADFORD
Sermon Outline
- God's Prompt Response to Prayer
- The Nature of Prayer
- God's Presence in Trouble
- He Is With You
- Deliverance from Trouble
Key Quotes
“HE will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“He that hath not tempted you hitherto above your strength will continue so to the end.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“He is with you in trouble, and will indeed deliver you.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- When facing trouble, remember that God is with you and will deliver you.
- Crying to God is a simple and sincere expression of need or emotion, and He is always ready to hear it.
- God's graciousness towards us includes answers to our prayers, but also much more, such as faithful thoughts and a watchful eye.