Calvin Miller in his book "The Book of Jesus" states that Peter Marshall may well be the most significant Presbyterian preacher of this century. During the 1940's he was pastor of the prestigious New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. During those years he was also chaplain of the U.S. senate. The following is part of a sermon he broadcasted on radio, about the miracle of the woman with the blood issue, being healed when she touched Jesus. And his wife, who had been suffering from a long illness, heard the sermon, and as she listened... she found strength to get out of bed and begin her road to recovery.
" ...But you may ask: "How can I touch Christ?" It was one thing for that woman long ago, for she saw Him with her eyes, and could touch Him with her fingers. She heard His voice, saw the sunlight dance on His hair.
He was in the flesh then, and she could touch Him. How can I, today, touch Him with the same results?
Some of you may seek healing of body or mind or of soul. Some of you may seek guidance on some problem. Some of you need faith to stand up under the tensions and suspenses of life. Some of you seek forgiveness and a new beginning.
All of us need to touch Christ for some reason or other.
As the church offers this wonderful new life - this peace of mind and heart - this healing of mind and soul and body in Christ's name - perhaps she ought more and more to give instructions with her soul medicine.
You are justified in looking for directions on the lid or some instructions for taking, a manual of operation.
Perhaps I can make some suggestions which will be helpful.
First give God a chance. Take your problem, whatever it may be, to Him in prayer. Tell Him all about it - just as if He didn't know a thing. In the telling be absolutely honest and sincere. Hold nothing back.
Our minds are sometimes shocked when we permit our hearts to spill over, but it is good for our souls when we do. If we would only have the courage to take a good look at our motives for doing certain things we might discover something about ourselves that would melt away our pride and soften our hearts so that God could do something with us and for us.
Then the second step is to believe that God will hear you. Remember that He heard the poor woman who only touched the hem of His garment. Believe with all your faith that he cares what happens to you. You must believe that. You can’t doubt it when you look at the cross.
Next you must be willing to wait patiently for the Lord. He does answer every prayer on Sunday afternoon. You may have to wait until Friday. But wait. God is never in a hurry.
Then when He speaks to you - as He will - do what He tells you. He may not tell you audibly. You may not hear your voices - as did Joan of Arc. You may not see any writing in the sky and have any unusual experience. God could, if He wanted, send you messages that way, but that is not His usual method.
It generally comes through your own conscience - a sort of growing conviction that such and such a course of action is the one He wants you to take. Or it may be given you in the advice of friends of sound judgment - those you love the most.
God speaks sometimes through our circumstances and guides us, closing doors as well as opening them.
He will let you know what you must do, and what you must be. He is waiting for you to touch Him. The hand of faith is enough. Your trembling fingers can reach Him as He passes. Reach out your faith - touch Him. He will not ask, "Who touched me?" He will know. "
By George Konig
3/30/2008
www.georgekonig.org
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