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John Angell James

I Follow Like a Little Blind Child

Psalm 35:27; Romans 8:28
John Angell James • June, 14 2008 • Audio
2 Articles 51 Sermons
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John Angell James
John Angell James • June, 14 2008
2 articles 51 sermons
Puritan Devotional meditation prayer encouragement comfort uplifting Jesus trials Christian

John Angell James' sermon "I Follow Like a Little Blind Child" focuses on the Reformed doctrine of God's providence, emphasizing the necessity of strong faith amidst life's tribulations. James argues that strong faith perceives God's providence as an all-encompassing force, guiding both the grand events of history and the minutiae of individual lives, as supported by Romans 8:28, which assures believers that all things work together for good. He contrasts this with weak faith, which falters in the face of unexplained hardships and perceived injustices in the world. The practical significance of the sermon lies in encouraging believers to trust in God's wisdom and goodness, particularly during dark times, reinforcing that faith grants assurance even without visible understanding. Ultimately, James portrays faith as a child-like trust in God, inviting believers to find rest in Him alone.

Key Quotes

“Strong faith believes that God's providence is ever-active, ever directing, ever controlling, and ever subordinating all things to his own purposes and plans.”

“A weak faith must give way before the deep mysteries, the confounding events, the defeats of what is good and the triumphs of what is evil.”

“I follow like a little blind child grasping the hand of his father.”

“Times of great troubles and difficulties are seasons and opportunities for the exercise of faith.”

What does the Bible say about God's providence?

The Bible teaches that God's providence governs all events in the world, ensuring they align with His purposes (Romans 8:28).

God's providence encompasses all aspects of life, both grand and minute, acting with purpose and wisdom. Romans 8:28 reassures us that all things work together for good for those who love God. This means that strong faith recognizes God's sovereignty over even the most chaotic and painful experiences, assuring us that they are ultimately for our good and His glory. The believer's strong faith remains steadfast even amidst the darkest occurrences, trusting that every event has a just and divine intention behind it.

Romans 8:28, Psalm 35:27

How do we know God's providence is true?

We know God's providence is true through Scripture which reveals His sovereign control over all creation (Romans 8:28).

The assurance of God's providence stems from the clear testimonies found in Scripture. Romans 8:28 asserts that all things work together for good, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's governance. This biblical declaration gives credence to our belief that even difficult circumstances are under His control and serve a purpose. As believers, we may not always comprehend the 'how' or 'why' behind our trials, but we can trust that God is actively directing our lives in a way that fulfills His divine plan.

Romans 8:28

Why is strong faith important for Christians?

Strong faith is crucial as it empowers Christians to trust in God's providence amidst life's uncertainties (Romans 8:28).

Strong faith acts as an anchor for Christians, especially during tumultuous times. It enables believers to withstand the trials and confusion that life presents, reaffirming that God is sovereign over all. In Romans 8:28, we find that all events, no matter how daunting, align with God's benevolent purpose. This faith fosters a confident assurance that, despite dark circumstances, God remains good and just. Without strong faith, one may falter under the weight of uncertainties and hardships, but in trusting God diligently, Christians can find peace and clarity.

Romans 8:28

What should Christians do during times of difficulty?

During difficulties, Christians should turn to God in faith, trusting His providence and waiting for His assistance (Psalm 35:27).

In challenging times, Christians are called to exercise their faith through prayer and reliance on God's promises. Recognizing Him as their refuge, they should declare their trust, as echoed in Psalm 35:27, finding solace in the knowledge that God understands their needs. This reliance often manifests in affirming belief that even when circumstances seem dire, God is working for their good. Standing firm in faith, Christians can proclaim their dependence on the Lord, waiting expectantly for His intervention and help.

Psalm 35:27

Sermon Transcript

Auto-generated transcript • May contain errors

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Romans 8 verse 28 Strong faith has a firm persuasion of God's overruling providence, so comprehensive as to include the destinies of empires and worlds, and so minute as to extend to individuals. Strong faith believes that God's providence is ever-active. ever directing, ever controlling, and ever subordinating all things to his own purposes and plans. Strong faith is a conviction of this great truth, so deep, so satisfying, and so tranquilizing, as not at all to be shaken by the chaotic aspect of human affairs, or the prevalence of gigantic evils.

A weak faith must give way before the deep mysteries, the confounding events, the defeats of what is good and the triumphs of what is evil, which are perpetually going on in our world's history. The stream of providence is so twisting, so dark, apparently so murky, and occasionally so devastating that it requires strong faith to believe that it is the work of God and not of chance, and that if it is the work of God, it must be just and wise and good.

In the darkest dispensations of providence affecting ourselves, strong faith realizes that it is all from God and must therefore be wise and just and good. Strong faith says, It is well. I am sure it is right. I cannot tell how it is right. I do not understand why this deep, afflictive providence came. I can find no key to unlock the mystery. But I am as confident that it is right as if God's whole purpose were transparent to my reason and I could see the event in all its connections, bearings, and results. I cannot see how or why, but I believe that my deep affliction is for God's glory and my ultimate benefit. I know that God causes everything to work together for good.

Faith assures us that the darker, the more confounding, the more disappointing events are all right and just and good. Strong faith walks on amid shadows and darkness, grasping the arm of God, believing that He is leading us, and will lead us right. Strong faith gives up all into his hands, saying, I cannot even see a glimmering of light. I cannot see where to place my next step. But I can most implicitly trust in the wisdom, power, and truth of God. I follow like a little blind child grasping the hand of his father.

Times of great troubles and difficulties are seasons and opportunities for the exercise of faith. God is always the Christian's best refuge and often his only one. He is sometimes reduced to extremity and is compelled to say, He alone is my rock and my salvation. My help comes only from the Lord. No one else will help me. No one else can. Sense and reason both fail. No door of escape presents itself, nor any way of relief. There is nothing left for him to do but to take up the promise and carry it in the hand of faith, knock by prayer at the door of mercy, and as he stands there to say,

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress. I will not be shaken. Yes, Lord, You have bid me come when I could go nowhere else. And here, according to Your command and promise, I will remain waiting, trembling, yet believing and hoping. I am sure you will come and help me. My Heavenly Father knows the necessities of His poor, helpless child, and He will come in His own time and in His own way, and I will wait for Him. My bread will be given me, and my water will be sure.

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