It is a sweet savor to hear the cry of a soul that longs for the glory of God in the salvation of men. The petition you have set before the throne is soaked in the very spirit of the Gospel, breathing after the power of God for salvation, a pure heart, and the unity of the Spirit. This is no cold formalism; it is the cry of a heart that Wisdom herself has drawn, for only love can seek love. When the soul pleads for a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith, it is because the love of God has already begun its silent, sovereign work. That you ask for love from a pure heart is evidence that the great Father is saying to you, “My son, give Me your heart,” and you are answering, “Your face, Lord, will I seek.”
And what is this but the drawing of the Father towards the Son? You have rightly centered all your hope upon the Gospel, which is the power of God, and upon Christ Jesus, the unspeakable gift. Let no supposition or doubt arise in your heart to trouble you as you go forth. The Devil would whisper that your weakness disqualifies you, but it is in such times of felt feebleness that the strength of Christ is perfected. God deals with His own in a way of grace, freely giving the consolations of His love. Do not, therefore, be afraid of being too happy in the Lord, or of having too much expectation of His working. Lay hold upon the whole Christ, and eat and drink deeply of the stores of the banquet of love before you step into the field. Your plea for gifts of healings, words of wisdom, and boldness is after His own heart, for Christ delights to give good gifts to His children.
Concerning your cry for team unity, behold how good and pleasant a thing it is when brethren dwell together in unity. Intense affection among the saints, loving each other for Christ’s sake with a love that surpasses mere natural bonds, is a dew from heaven. And as you ask for divine appointments and open doors, remember that whenever the Spirit of God inclines the heart to pray, the ear of God is open to hear. Come boldly, then, to the throne of grace to obtain mercy for the perishing souls you will meet. He who has given you the knowledge of the truth will also order your steps. The drift of all Divine operations is towards Christ, and your labor is simply to point men to Him. Do not fear the rejection of the message; they did the same to the Master.
You have done well to commit your intercessors and the hearers to the keeping of God from the evil one. This weakness of heart which fears the impostor and the tempter is a disease known to many a saint, but the cure for a troubled heart lies in looking unto Jesus. He who has loved you with an everlasting love will not suffer your foot to be moved. As you go, be of good courage. The love of Christ passes knowledge, and it is His love, not your own frail perfection, that will accomplish His purpose. He will strengthen your heart. Go forth, then, with the perfume of His love arising from your renewed hearts, a spark of the eternal flame. Pray without ceasing, and look for the demonstration of the Spirit, for the Father’s love, the Son’s grace, and the Spirit’s fellowship are already yours.