Terrifying or Comforting?

Through reading, I have learned so much from past generations of men and women of God. For example, A. W. Tozer, who died about 50 years ago once said; “What we need very badly these days is a company of Christians who are prepared to trust God as completely now as they know they must do at the last day. For each of us the time is coming when we shall have nothing but God. Health and wealth and friends and hiding places will be swept away and we shall have only God. To the man of pseudo faith that is a terrifying thought, but to real faith it is one of the most comforting thoughts the heart can entertain.”

Tozer came from a tiny farming community in western Pennsylvania. He came to Christ as a teenager in Akron, Ohio. While on his way home from work at a tire company, he overheard a street preacher say: “If you don’t know how to be saved … just call on God.” Upon returning home, Tozer climbed into the attic and heeded the preacher’s advice.

Living a simple lifestyle, Tozer and his wife, Ada, never even owned a car, preferring bus and train travel. Yet he influenced millions for the Kingdom of God. He was buried in Akron, Ohio, with a simple epitaph marking his grave: “A. W. Tozer – A Man of God.”

Prayer was of vital personal importance for Tozer. His preaching and his writings were an extension of his prayer life. No wonder he spoke with such conviction and his words continue to ring true for millions around the world today. Humble beginnings, prayer, loving the word of God, having a simple faith and speaking the truth marked his life. Our God just loves to take common ordinary people who wholly commit themselves to Him and then use them for His purposes (Acts 4:13).

Do you feel ordinary? If so, you can know that He has called you. Trust Him to live his life through you. Let’s look forward to the day when we shall have nothing but God. Not terrifying at all to think about … but one of the most comforting thoughts our heart can entertain.