Not Ashamed of ChristEsimerkki

## Faith for Results The story is told that a young preacher went to see Charles Spurgeon because he was very disappointed in the results of his preaching. Though he was putting effort into preparing and delivering his sermons, no one was responding. After listening to his story Spurgeon asked, “You don’t expect people to be saved every time you preach do you?” “Why no,” the young pastor replied. “That’s why you don’t,” Spurgeon said. There is no reason for us not to expect to see God bless the preaching and teaching of His Word, and our soul-winning efforts to reach others with the gospel because of the promises we find in Scripture. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:6). While not everyone who hears the gospel will respond, the more confidently we go out and give it to others, the more people will respond to accept God’s gift of salvation. What Jesus declared to the disciples is still true today. “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35). We are not responsible for the results of our presentation of the gospel. When we are faithful to spread the seed, God will give the increase and bring about the harvest. Growth Principle: Have faith that God will bring about a harvest when you go out to sow the Seed of the Word.