Faith not only holds to the fact that God is able, but that he is willing to do what you seek. Grip two handles with your faith. Take hold that he is able, omnipotent, omniscient, and all sufficient; but also take hold that he is willing to meet your needs by his mercy. Learn to draw arguments from these attributes. When you hold on to both his power and his mercy, faith can easily draw sweet and strong assurances from these. It is true that we are prone to doubt God's willingness, but the Lord has provided for this remarkably. Where there is but one atttribute to describe God's power, there are many titles that prove his willingness: mercy, goodness, bounty, grace, love, lovingkindness, compassion, bowels of compassion, patience, and long-suffering. Get faith fixed upon this double bases and it will stand firm. God is able and willing.
David Clarkson,
Works, 1:174-179.
Voices from the Past, Richard Rushing, ed., Banner of Truth Trust, 2009, pg. 112.
Good morning Persis. Loved this today - and really needed it.
ReplyDeleteI love your new look here too!
"Faith not only holds to the fact that God is able, but that he is willing..." Amazing, how encouraging the word "willing" is. I don't know that my faith ever questions God's ability, but I do know that I question His willingness, even after His endless gifts of grace.... Like His disciples, I am still so dull (Matthew 15:16). Thank you for this lift!
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