If you are in despair,you have only to get among God’s people,and inquire a little,and you will discover that some of the saints have been equally in despair at times and they will be pleased to tell you how the Lord delivered them. As you listen to one after another of those who have tried the word of God,and proved it,the divine Spirit will lead you to believe.
Have you not heard of the African who was told by the missionary that water sometimes became so hard that a man could walk on it? He declared that he believed a great many things the missionary had told him;but he would never believe that. When he came to England it came to pass that one frosty day he saw the river frozen,but he would not venture on it. He knew that it was a deep river,and he felt certain that he would be drowned if he ventured upon it. He could not be induced to walk the frozen water till his friend and many others went upon it;then he was persuaded,and trusted himself where others had safely ventured.
So,while you see others believe in the Lamb of God,and notice their joy and peace,you will yourself be gently led to believe. The experience of others is one of God’s ways of helping us to faith. You have either to believe in Jesus or die;there is no hope for you but in Him.
A better plan is this –note the authority upon which you are commanded to believe,and this will greatly help you to faith. The authority is not mine,or you might well reject it. But you are commanded to believe upon the authority of God himself. He bids you believe in Jesus Christ,and you must not refuse to obey your Maker.
The foreman of a certain works had often heard the gospel,but he was troubled with the fear that he might not come to Christ. His good master one day sent a card around to the works –“Come to my house immediately after work.” The foreman appeared at his master’s door,and the master came out,and said somewhat roughly,“What do you want,John,troubling me at this time? Work is done,what right have you here?” “Sir,” said he,“I had a card from you saying that I was to come after work.” “Do you mean to say that merely because you had a card from me you are to come up to my house and call me out after business hours?” “Well,Sir,” replied the foreman,“I do not understand you,but it seems to me that,as you sent for me,I had a right to come.” “Come in,John,” said his master,“I have another message that I want to read to you,” and he sat down and read these words:“Come unto me,all ye that labor and are heavy laden,and I will give you rest.” “Do you think after such a message from Christ that you can be wrong in coming to him?”
The poor man saw it all at once,and believed in the Lord Jesus unto eternal life,because he perceived that he had good warrant and authority for believing. So have you,poor soul! You have good authority for coming to Christ,for the Lord himself bids you trust Him.