"This poor man lingered in this way for several years, and died. After
his death, I visited the place, and his widow put into my hands his
diary. Among other things, he says in his diary: 'I am acquainted with
about thirty ministers and churches.' He then goes on to set apart
certain hours in the day and week to pray for each of these ministers
and churches, and also certain seasons for praying for the different
missionary stations. Then followed, under different dates, such facts as
these: 'Today,' naming the date, 'I have been enabled to offer what I
call the prayer of faith for the outpouring of the Spirit on----church
and I trust in God there will soon be a revival there.' Under another
date, 'I have today been able to offer what I call the prayer of faith
for such a church, and trust there will soon be a revival there.' Thus
he had gone over a great many churches, recording the fact that he had
prayed for them in faith that a revival might soon prevail among them.
Of the missionary stations, if I recollect right, he mentions in
particular the mission of Ceylon. I believe the last place mentioned in
his diary, for which he offered the prayer of faith, was the place in
which he lived. Not long after noting these facts in the diary, the
revival commenced, and went over the region of country, nearly I
believe, if not quite in the order in which they had been mentioned in
his diary; and in due time news came from Ceylon that there was a
revival of religion there. The revival in his own town did not commence
till after his death. Its commencement was at the time when his widow
put into my hands the document to which I have referred. She told me
that he was so exercised in prayer during his sickness, that she often
feared he would pray himself to death. The revival was exceedingly great
and powerful in all the region; and the fact that it was about to
prevail had not been hidden from this servant of the Lord. According to
His Word, 'The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him.' Thus,
this man too feeble in body to go out of his house, was yet more useful
to the world and the Church of God, than all the heartless professors of
the country. Standing between God and the desolations of Zion, and
pouring out his heart in prevailing prayer, as a prince he had power
with God, and prevailed." (Finney's Lectures, pp. 112, 113).
Fanny Crosby was blind, yet see how she has blessed the world with her
thousands of beautiful hymns, written even down to her old age. Let the
weak ones look up and take on fresh courage. "My grace is sufficient for
thee," and "He giveth more grace," are promises that should encourage
those who are seemingly shut off from opportunities of service.
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." The avenue to
God in prayer, and the way to hearts are still open. Be of some service
still. Like the palm tree, every Christian can be of much use in the
world.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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