Often people will come to me for advice, and too often they have already made up their minds about what they want to do and what they intend to do. It is not so much that they seek advice, rather they are seeking approval of their decision. And any counsel to the contrary only damages our fellowship. Is this the way that we seek the will of God?
We make up our minds as to what we desire to do and what we really intend to do and then we pray, “Lord, show me what I ought to do.” We like God’s directions and God’s will as long as it is in agreement with our own!
I am certain that one characteristic essential to finding the will of God is a willingness to wait for his leadership and for some evidence of his direction. Another characteristic might be the willingness to listen to those who have some experience and wisdom in that field. Another help to finding God’s will might be a desire for his glory, even at the expense of our own success and comfort.
Paul said. “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s” (Phil. 2:21). Can this really be true of us? If it be true, then we have the answer to the question, “Why is it so difficult to find the will of God?”
About Henry Mahan
Henry T. Mahan was born in Birmingham, Alabama in August 1926. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served as a signalman on an L.S.T. in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, he married his wife Doris, and the Lord blessed them with four children.
At the age of 21, he entered the pastoral ministry and gained broad experience as a pastor, teacher, conference speaker, and evangelist. In 1950, through the preaching of evangelist Rolfe Barnard, God was pleased to establish Henry in sovereign free grace teaching. At that time, he was serving as an assistant pastor at Pollard Baptist Church (off of Blackburn ave.) in Ashland, Kentucky.
In 1955, Thirteenth Street Baptist Church was formed in Ashland, Kentucky, and Henry was called to be its pastor. He faithfully served that congregation for more than 50 years, continuing in the same message throughout his ministry. His preaching was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified, in full accord with the Scriptures. He consistently proclaimed God’s sovereign purpose in salvation and the glory of Christ in redeeming sinners through His blood and righteousness.
Henry T. Mahan also traveled widely, preaching in conferences and churches across the United States and beyond. His ministry was marked by a clear and unwavering emphasis on Christ, not the preacher, but the One preached. Those who heard him recognized that his sermons honored the Savior and exalted the name of the Lord Jesus Christ above all.
Henry T. Mahan served as pastor and teacher of Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky for over half a century. His life and ministry were devoted to proclaiming the sovereign grace of God and directing sinners to the finished work of Christ. He entered into the presence of the Lord in 2019, leaving behind a lasting testimony to the gospel he faithfully preached.
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