Dr. Rob White - August 18, 2024
On Not Taking No For An Answer
Christ calls us to pray persistently in the faith that God will grant justice to those who cry to him day and night.
Scripture References: Luke 18:1-8
From Series: "Topical Series"
More Messages Associated With "Prayer"...
Powered by Series Engine
When the Time is Right: The Power of Prayer in Action
In this sermon, “When the Time Is Right,” Dr. Rob White of the Athens Universal Life Church explores Matthew 9:35–10:8, focusing on Jesus’ call to combine prayer with action. The core message is clear: before we embark on spreading the gospel, healing the sick, or confronting life’s challenges, we must first dedicate ourselves to prayer.
Dr. White begins with Jesus’ ministry, emphasizing His compassion for the crowds and His tireless work in teaching, healing, and proclaiming the kingdom of God. Yet, even in desperate times, Jesus instructed His disciples not to rush into action but to first pray for God’s guidance and provision of workers for the spiritual harvest.
Drawing parallels to farming, Dr. White highlights the urgency of the harvest metaphor. Just as crops must be gathered at the right time to avoid loss, people are spiritually ripe to hear God’s word. But the laborers—those equipped to spread the gospel—are few. Jesus’ solution? Pray fervently for God to send workers into the field.
Dr. White underscores that prayer is not passive. Instead, it prepares and empowers believers to act with God’s strength. Once we’ve sought God’s guidance, we can step into our roles as His instruments, proclaiming the good news and demonstrating His love through our deeds.
The sermon also shares inspiring stories, including one of transformation. Dr. White recounts Norman Vincent Peale’s encounter with a man who was lost in despair but found new life through prayer and faith. This story serves as a testament to the miraculous changes possible when we trust in God’s power.
Closing with Frances Ridley Havergal’s hymn, “Lord, Speak to Me,” the sermon reminds us that our mission as Christians is to be vessels of God’s love and truth. Dr. White urges us to make prayer the foundation of our ministry, allowing God to work through us for His glory.