Wrestling with Pride
Frederick Brotherton Meyer, a prominent Baptist pastor and evangelist in late 19th and early 20th century England, transformed countless lives through his deep faith and commitment to social justice. Born in London in 1847, Meyer grew up in a Christian household and pursued his education at Brighton College and the University of London. Despite his religious upbringing, Meyer struggled with pride and a yearning for admiration, often writing in his journal about the deceitfulness of his heart and his desire for humility.
The Power of Full Surrender
Meyer's turning point came when he fully surrendered to Jesus, allowing Christ to rule every aspect of his life. This surrender was not just a doctrine to him but a way of living. As he once expressed, "If Christ be your life then nothing else need explain you." This shift in perspective fueled his passion for evangelism and social reform, leading him to close hundreds of saloons and brothels in his moral crusades.
Champion of the Keswick Movement
A key figure in the Keswick Convention and the Higher Life movement, Meyer emphasized the importance of letting go and letting God work through the believer. His friendship with D.L. Moody extended his influence across the Atlantic, where he ministered in America and supported the beginnings of the Welsh Revival.
The Tragedy of Unoffered Prayer
Meyer's ministry was marked by his belief in the power of prayer and faith. He famously stated, "The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer," highlighting the importance of turning to God in all circumstances. His encounters with God not only transformed him personally but also had a profound impact on those he touched through his writings and sermons.
In his later years, Meyer continued to travel, spreading the message of Jesus and advocating for social justice. Reflecting on his life, he declared, "I have no regret. I have preached what I believed. And I believed what I preached—that Jesus Christ is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God by him." Meyer's legacy as a bridge-builder in the evangelical world endures, reminding us of the power of surrender and faith in Jesus.
