Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ⁴¹  Many more believed because of His word;

 ⁴²  and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.”  John 4:39-42. 

This devotion reminds me of the Gideons.  In yesterday’s devotion, I wrote a little bit about my failure or inability to be a “soul-winner”.  One of the things that I did to deal with that fact was become a Gideon.  I thought:  “If I am not good about verbally telling others about my faith, the least I can do is help distribute Bibles.”  (Although I am currently inactive, I am still a Gideon.  I continue to pay my dues and give occasionally and admire their good work.)

We may fail or falter in giving our testimony, but God’s word neither fails nor falters.

Jeremiah 23:29
“Is not My word like fire?” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?”

Don’t be discouraged if others do not give you credit. 

Like the men of Samaria, some may want to avoid giving credit to the one who shared their faith, so we should not be discouraged.  Through God’s grace and power, we may “reap” even if they quietly, and behind the scenes, check out things by themselves by reading the Bible or attending church elsewhere. 

By no means do I want to minimize the importance of preaching as the means of grace.

Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 25:

Question 65:  “Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence doth this faith proceed? 

Answer:  From the Holy Ghost, who works faith in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel, and confirms it by the use of the sacraments.”

In conclusion, today’s Scripture immediately comes to the rescue.  Although we may feel ashamed about our failure or inability to win souls, we can help distribute God’s word and invite people to our church.  We are reminded that God’s word is like fire and like a hammer which shatters a rock.  We are reminded that preaching is the means of grace, and we can support our ministers by our offerings, our prayers, and our encouragement.