John Wesley is considered by most to be one of the titans of the Christian faith in recent centuries. We see the evidence of his impact in communities all around the world. One Christian denomination bears his name, the Wesleyan Church. Another denomination is a product of his life’s work, the Methodist Church. The faith of countless millions has been and continues to be informed and strengthened with the guidance and encouragement gleaned from his life and ministry. What may come as a surprise to many, however, is that John Wesley struggled with doubts on numerous occasions.
John Wesley’s “conversion” took place as the result of the influence and impact of the Moravians. In a somewhat famous story, Mr. Wesley took a ship to Georgia. While at sea, the ship encountered a terrible storm. It was so bad that many on the ship were convinced that they were going to die. Throughout the storm, as waves continued to engulf the ship and the sea spilled into the hold where they were sitting, the Moravian believers continued to sing, from the youngest to the oldest. When he later asked them if they were not afraid, they told him that they trusted God with their lives. John was shook by this display of faith and calm assurance through such difficulty. He realized that he did not possess this type of faith. It was approximately two years later that John Wesley had his famous “Aldersgate Experience” where he finally found the faith that now defines him.
He continued preaching what he believed to be right, even in the face of uncertainty, and he found God to be faithful in the process.
Interestingly, John Wesley was already an ordained minister, serving in the Church of England, when all of this took place. Wesley lamented his crisis of faith to a friend named Peter Bohler, suggesting that perhaps he should quit preaching because he “had no faith.” Bohler suggested a different path. He said, “Preach faith until you have it. Then you will preach faith because you have it.” In many ways this is exactly what John Wesley did and, to a large degree, it became a hallmark of his faith and life. He continued preaching what he believed to be right, even in the face of uncertainty, and he found God to be faithful in the process.
One of the great ironies of 2020 is that the numbers used to indicate this point in time are also used to indicate perfect vision. This year has brought a great many things, but clarity of vision is not one of them. It has been a year of great uncertainty. It has been a year of difficulty, on so many different levels. Much like Mr. Wesley on his ship to Georgia, we find ourselves tossed on the sea of time which has been stirred by a raging storm. It is easy in such times to become discouraged and/or to experience periods of doubt.
If ever faith was needed, it is today. Perhaps one way to find faith is simply being faithful in the moment before us.
I find encouragement in the story of John Wesley. In a lot of ways, I can relate to his struggle and the solution. Sometimes, I stand and preach the sermons I sense people need to hear. At other times, I stand and preach the sermons I know I need to hear. In this current season of life, I find I’m struggling to see what’s next. Unsettled times often inspire uncertain minds, and 2020 has not been lacking in uncertainty. It’s extremely difficult to discern what’s next when you’re not 100% sure what’s going on right now. That is the essence of faith, though. In Hebrews 11:1 the author notes that faith is being “sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” We may not know what’s next. Let’s be honest, we don’t really know what’s going on right now. If ever faith was needed, it is today. Perhaps one way to find faith is simply being faithful in the moment before us.
