One night, Billy wandered into the woods to pray:
“O God! There are many things in this Book I do not understand. There are many problems for which I have no solution. There are seeming contradictions. Some areas don’t seem to align with modern science. I can’t answer some of the philosophical and psychological questions Chuck [Templeton] and others are raising.
But, Father, I am going to accept this as Your Word—by faith! I’m going to allow faith to go beyond my intellectual questions and doubts, and I will believe this to be Your inspired Word!”
After that prayer, he felt an overwhelming sense of peace and assurance. On Billy Graham’s next crusade, he became widely known across the nation.
Confidence in the Message of Salvation
His sermons often began with the words, “The Bible says …” His central message was clear: Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins by dying and rising victorious over death for our salvation. He spoke with confidence and conviction, and through his ministry, over two million people decided to follow Jesus!
Billy Graham maintained his integrity by following a strict code of conduct. He never took money from donations, choosing instead to live on a set salary. His ministry remained financially transparent. He was never alone with a woman other than his wife. His team never exaggerated attendance numbers at crusades or conversions at events. Though he was friends with many presidents, he never officially endorsed any. Instead, he submitted himself to trusted advisors who held him accountable. He lived modestly, always pointing people toward Jesus. Rather than criticizing pastors, he worked alongside local churches, embodying the wisdom of Proverbs 23:19:
“Listen, my son, and be wise,
and set your heart on the right path.”
Dreading Work
The last six month of a job I worked was a burden almost too hard to bear. The dread of returning each morning kept me up at night. It was like a black hole I couldn’t escape.
I was actively searching for another job, but I had no leads. I kept imagining myself walking off the job, but my family advised me against it.
Then, a cousin’s other cousin wrote a letter to my company requesting a leave of absence on my behalf. Because of that letter, I was able to collect my unused sick and vacation time. If I had walked out, I wouldn’t have received that benefit. Additionally, I was able to keep my health insurance, which I thought would expire the day I quit. That was the only thing keeping me there those last six months.
Wisdom Brings Peace
Wisdom is more than knowledge—it’s applying what I know about God and His Word to my life. When I’m following His will, He gives me peace. Foolishness, on the other hand, would have been staying in the chaos of a job that was no longer a good fit for me.
“For the LORD gives wisdom;
from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” — Proverbs 2:6
We’re all on a unique journey through life. Is your heart at peace, or is it troubled, like mine was in that difficult job? In the Bible, the heart refers to both thoughts and emotions. Today, we often associate the heart only with feelings, but biblical literature includes our mind and thoughts as well.
What About You?
Is there a relationship that’s making your heart uneasy? I’ve been there.
Are you doing something you know isn’t right? Turn away from it and set your heart on God’s path. He will give you peace.
Make a habit of reading the Bible and spending time in prayer. God loves when you seek Him, and He will speak to you through His Word and in prayer. If you’re unsure whether something is from God, compare it to the Bible and seek advice from wise Christians.
What is something God is calling you to do? How can you take steps to move toward it?
Do you have someone you can share your struggles with? Are you that person for someone else? What is that relationship like?
For more wisdom see Friendship Can’t Get Any Better Than This here or for kind words check out Inspiration Like Honey here.
Sources and References:
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. “The Modesto Manifesto: A Declaration of Biblical Integrity.” Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, https://billygraham.org/articles/the-modesto-manifesto-a-declaration-of-biblical-integrity.
Billy Graham Library. “Billy Graham in New York, 2005.” Billy Graham Library, https://billygrahamlibrary.org/blog-billy-graham-ny-2005.
Newvine, Steve. “On the 99: The Modesto Manifesto.” Merced County Events, https://www.mercedcountyevents.com/steve-newvine-1/on-the-99-the-modesto-manifesto.
Piper, Jon. “The Other Billy Graham Rules.” Desiring God, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/other-billy-graham-rules.
“Billy Graham Sermons.” Sermons.Love, https://sermons.love/billy-graham/.
Billy Graham Library. “Celebrating 75 Years of the Modesto Manifesto.” Billy Graham Library, https://billygrahamlibrary.org/blog-celebrating-75-years-of-the-modesto-manifesto.
“Proverbs 23:19, New International Version.” Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2023%3A19&version=NIV.
“Proverbs 2:6, New International Version.” Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%202%3A6&version=NIV.
Lifeway Research. “Billy Graham’s Life and Ministry by the Numbers.” Lifeway Research, 21 Feb. 2018, https://research.lifeway.com/2018/02/21/billy-grahams-life-ministry-by-the-numbers.