As we prepare this issue, the news reports tell us that near revolution has come to northern Ireland; the Arab-Israeli undeclared war is getting hotter; the stock market is in the doldrums; peace seems no nearer anywhere; and the hot season has once again brought rumblings of unrest in the cities during sultry summer nights. In the midst of all this God is still at work. Men are being converted as the Gospel goes forth in power, and Christian compassion is working to relieve the miseries of men everywhere.
A few days ago I heard Billy Graham preach at Shea Stadium in New York City (see News, page 30). His message was simple: as Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego had to choose between the worship of Nebuchadnezzar’s image and the worship of the true God, so men today must choose between false gods and the true God. When Graham asked his hearers to choose Jesus Christ, a large number—black and white, young and old—came forward to make that commitment. It was thrilling to observe the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the hearts of men.
Strangely enough, we often get discouraged even when we see God at work. Elijah got the blues after his great victory over the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel. What we need to remember always is that reassuring promise, “Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed for I am thy God.”
