His Life Changed by His Own Message
Illustration★★★★J. Wilbur Chapman, well-known evangelist, often narrated the fol- lowing incident: When he was fulfilling the work of the ministry at Wannamaker Church, Philadelphia, he became so discouraged with the lack of results that one Monday morning, he began to write a let- ter of resignation.
He felt that he should return to a business life rather than fail to meet the requirements of that important sphere. “While the ink was still wet,” he said, “the servant brought in the morning newspaper which contained an address of my own delivered at the Northfield Conference in which I had happened to say that ‘the work which really counts is not that which we do for God, but which He does through us!’” Chapman said the reading of that sentence again revolutionized his _ life.
As soon as the servant had retired, he knelt at his table and asked that from that hour his whole nature might be so absolutely at God’s disposal as to be the pure channel for the living water. To do God’s will became henceforward the origin, the motive, and the gladness of his life.
The point
J. Wilbur Chapman recalls being so discouraged in ministry that he began writing a resignation letter, until rereading his own words that 'the work which really counts... is what He does through us' recommitted him to ministry.