D. L. Moody (1837-1899)
READ: John 15:1-17
God can do extraordinary things out of ordinary people. Dwight Lyman Moody’s life was a testament to that. As one of 9 children being raised by a widowed mother, Moody never received more than a 5th grade education, and was never encouraged to read his Bible. He never went to college or seminary or joined the clergy. Still, he had high hopes and sought to make lots of money when he grew up. But after becoming a Christian at age 18, Moody realized there was more to life than wealth. He was known to be optimistic, outgoing, confident and energetic, and probably could have become a wealthy businessman! But God had a different calling for D. L. Moody. God led him to get involved with the poor immigrants of Chicago, and so Moody entered the inner city mission field. He worked with the YMCA and eventually started his own church. But the Chicago fire would change everything. Both his church and the YMCA succumbed to the flames.
Moody felt led to begin revival campaigns, and travelled through different cities and towns preaching the gospel. God had gotten a hold of him in a new way: though social work was well and good, it was the gospel people needed and evangelism was Moody’s calling. He led many crusades and pioneered new techniques for evangelism. He would also go on to establish seminaries for boys and girls which would provide Bible-centred education. Eventually one of these seminaries in Chicago would come to be known as the Moody Bible Institute, which continues to educate students in the Word of God.
Not only was Moody a dynamic speaker and a passionate evangelist, but he was a good man and a great father. He was a man busy with the Lord’s work, and wasn’t ashamed if the Lord’s work meant a weekend with the family. He loved to spend time with his wife and three children, pretending with them and pulling pranks together. D. L. Moody was an ordinary man who was willing to do the work God called him to do with energy and joy. If we are faithful in the little things, like this man, God will give us greater responsibility. He can do the extraordinary.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Where do you feel weak in your faith?
2. Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?
3. Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.
