-
God's Detour
Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 10, 2010 (message contributor)
GOD'S DETOUR
The year was 1920. The scene was the examining board for selecting missionaries. Standing before the board was a young man named Oswald Smith. One dream dominated his heart. He wanted to be a missionary. Over and over again, he prayed, "Lord, I want to go as a missionary for you. Open a door of service for me." Now, at last, his prayer would be answered.
When the examination was over, the board turned Oswald Smith down. He did not meet their qualifications. He failed the test. Oswald Smith had set his direction, but now life gave him a detour. What would he do?
As Oswald Smith prayed, God planted another idea in his heart. If he could not go as a missionary, he would build a church which could send out missionaries. And that is what he did.
Oswald Smith Pastored The People’s Church in Toronto, Canada, which at that time sent out more missionaries than any other church.
Oswald Smith brought God into the situation, and God transformed his detour into a main thoroughfare of service.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Well-Known Christian Businessman Who Was ... PRO
Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 21, 2005
A well-known Christian businessman who was visiting a church was asked to give his testimony. He said, "I have a fine family, a large house, a successful business, and a good reputation. I have plenty of money so I can support some Christian ministries very generously. Many organizations want me on ...read more
-
No - I Don't Look As Good As When I Was Brand ...
Contributed by Steve Malone on Mar 15, 2005
NO - I don’t look as good as when I was brand new… AND - that’s why I need someone who will hold me and love me, like they don’t even notice the difference… ONE - of my favorite authors writes; There are 2 truths about human beings that matter deeply. We are all rag dolls. Flawed and wounded, ...read more
-
There Is Such A Love That Creates Value In What ... PRO
Contributed by Steve Malone on Mar 15, 2005
There is such a love that creates value in what is loved. There is a love that turns rag dolls into priceless treasures. There is a love that fastens itself onto ragged little creatures, for reasons that no one could ever quite figure out, and makes them precious and valued beyond calculation. ...read more
-
A Man Purchased A White Mouse To Use As Food For ... PRO
Contributed by Dan Cormie on Jul 28, 2003
A man purchased a white mouse to use as food for his pet snake. He dropped the unsuspecting mouse into the snake’s glass cage, where the snake was sleeping in a bed of sawdust. The tiny mouse had a serious problem on his hands. At any moment he could be swallowed alive. Obviously, the mouse needed ...read more
-
Sexuality Teens And Sex / Research Review
Contributed by David Kim on Jan 23, 2005
SEXUALITY TEENS AND SEX / RESEARCH REVIEW Pauley, J. (1995). Sex, teens, and public schools. NBC. One million U.S. teenagers become pregnant each year. U.S. has highest rates for teenage pregnancies, abortions, and child bearing in the industrialized world. In 1970, 70% of U.S. teenage ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Recovering From Grief & Loss Series
Contributed by Todd Leupold on Nov 3, 2008
Losses and grief are inevitable parts of our lives in a world that has been corrupted by sin. The real struggle is not in avoiding these times but in learning how to understand and deal with them when they do come.
-
What's The Point?
Contributed by Norbert Garcia on Nov 7, 2014
It is okay to be discouraged when working for the Lord. It is not okay to be defeated. How can we as servants of the Lord maintain our enthusiasm and continue with our efforts when we work for the Lord.
-
Sarah's Disappointment
Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017
Sermon explores Sarah's discouragements during her faith journey, then offers insights on how to deal with disappointment.
-
Be A Mighty Warrior Series
Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jul 20, 2015
To be a mighty warrior for God, Gideon needs to overcome his disappointment with God and his doubts in God.
-
Lessons From The Tree Of Disappointment
Contributed by Randy Bataanon on Oct 1, 2017
You had tried your best but it seems not enough. You are still a failure. Everyone is disappointed even yourself. If you feel giving up after many times of trying, you can learn the lessons from the tree of disappointment.