Why Did God Move?
When I was attending a worship school in Charlotte, we took a trip to visit the Billy Graham Library. This Library showed the history of Billy Graham’s ministry- how it began and how it became one of the most powerful ministries to this day. I remember when we got there I prayed, “God, You used Billy Graham in such a powerful way. Few people are used to such a degree. Why were You able to use him so powerfully?” As I was walking through the library, praying, and taking pictures of all of Billy Graham’s quotes on the walls- God answered me clearly.
God revealed to me that Billy Graham was so extremely reliant on Him and so fearful of taking any of the credit for what God was doing. He was extremely careful to always be humble. I couldn’t help but see over and over again as I was walking through the library, that he understood he needed God to completely take over and work through him in order for any of the Crusades to be successful.
A quote from Billy Graham at the library:
“The secret is not me. So many people think that somehow I carry a revival around in a suitcase, and they just announce me and something happens- but that’s not true. This is the work of God, and the Bible warns that God will not share His glory with another. All the publicity that we receive sometimes frightens me because I feel that therein lies a great danger. If God should take His hand off me, I would have no more spiritual power. The whole secret of the success of our meetings is spiritual- it’s God answering prayer. I cannot take credit for any of it.”
I can’t help but tear up as I read that quote because I know the tendency of my own heart. Billy Graham knew that it was all possible by God alone and not by man. But today, how often do we run after the publicity instead of fearing what it can lead to? How often do we desire to be in the spotlight, to be an influencer, or to be a famous Christian? We are missing the point. The work of ministry is about emptying ourselves of self. It’s about pointing others to the only One who can bring abundant life.
Billy Graham knew that it had nothing to do with him. This is why God was able to move SO powerfully. You see, God is the only One who can turn hearts towards Him. Billy Graham wasn’t the one moving people to God- he was simply an open and available vessel. A Bible verse that Billy Graham had highlighted was John 3:30. It says, “He must increase, but I must decrease”. More of God, less of us! God was able to move because Billy himself and an entire team of faithful servants were constantly praying for God to do just that. They prayed fervently so that the revival would continue on for God’s glory.
So today, as you are reading this, start praying about the pride that is within your heart even if you can’t currently see it. It is so important that pride has no place in our hearts as we do ministry, especially if we desire to see God do big things. We need to pray about it constantly in a preventative manner and anytime we notice ourselves “taking the glory”, may we be grieved, immediately repent, and pray for God to give us pure hearts: hearts with humility and a godly confidence. God deserves all of the glory and He desires to move in a powerful way. Let’s unite with Him in His mission and stand back in awe as we watch Him do amazing things.
