Charles G. Finney

Charles G. Finney, a young law student, was sitting in a village law office in Upper New York State. It was early in the day and he was alone in the room. Suddenly it seemed as though a voice spoke in his heart: “Finney, what are you going to do when you finish your law course?”

His answer was, “Why, put out my shingle and practice law of course?” “Then what?”

“Make some money and get rich.” “Then what?”

“Build a beautiful home and have a family and be respected by everyone.” “Then what?”

“Well, I suppose I’ll get old and retire.” “Then what?”

“Well, men must die.” “Then What?”

Those words kept driving into his mind: “Then what?”, “Then what?” And in memory’s Hall he remembered the words of scripture which says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

Hebrews 9:27. The young lawyer leaped to his feet and ran to the woods about a mile and a half away. There he fell upon his face before God and prayed, and vowed that he would not leave until he had made his peace with heaven.

He seemed to see himself at the judgment bar of God. He had studied law for four years and has spent his life selfishly, merely for his own personal enjoyment. This was all made clear to him. He came out of the woods with a high purpose for living and from that day forward he lived for the glory of God and for the honor of his name.

Leaving the woods he felt totally different that when he came in. He felt joy and peace. He is not remembered today as a powerful lawyer, he is remembered today as a powerful preacher who has brought thousands to Christ during a ministry over 50 years.