“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water“—John 7:38
David Brainerd, missionary to Native Americans, was a frail young man, sickly and easily depressed. His work in 1743 and 1744 saw little success. On January 3, 1745, Brainerd set aside the entire day for fasting and prayer, pleading for an outpouring of spiritual power. He claimed our Lord’s promise in John 7, that those who believe in Him will experience rivers of living water flowing from within them. Brainerd began preaching from John 7, and the unfolding year proved very fruitful. Though he passed away at the age of 29, “his story moved his generation—Henry Martyn, William Carey, Adoniram Judson—toward missions. His diary became one of the most powerful Christian books in early American history . ”
When we believe in Christ, we experience rivers of living waters—the Holy Spirit—flowing from within us to a dry and parched culture. In His power, we’ll have courage to keep going, to persevere in the work of God, and to stand against the evils of our day.
As you walk by faith in Him today, rivers of living water will flow through you to a waiting world.(Turning Point)
Here am I, send me; send me to the ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness . . . to promote Thy kingdom.–David Brainerd
