Another Note into Your Preaching

Years ago, in North London, a young pastor was going through very difficult times.

He survived, and, afterwards, the first man he went to see was the older, more experienced Joseph Parker, pastor of the City Temple, whose reputation was that of being a very compassionate and wise man. The pastor said to him, “I do not understand the experience through which I have passed. I cannot understand the suffering, the sorrow, the breaking of it.” Parker put his two hands on his shoulders, and said, “My boy, never mind. Your people will get the value. There will come another note into your preaching which you never could have found if you had not suffered.” The young man then said, “If that be so, then thank God for all the breaking and all the pain.”¹

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance,” (James 1:2-3, New International Version).