Striving Without Peace
In the early 1730s, George Whitefield, born in Gloucester, England, was a young Oxford servitor struggling to find assurance in his faith. Despite his rigorous efforts at piety—fasting, praying, and serving others—he felt a deep spiritual void. His heart remained restless even as he joined the Holy Club, a group of earnest students led by John and Charles Wesley at Oxford.
The Book That Changed Everything
Whitefield's life changed dramatically in the spring of 1735 when Charles Wesley lent him a book, 'The Life of God in the Soul of Man' by Henry Scougal. As he read, Whitefield realized that true faith was more than external acts; it required a transformation of the heart by the Holy Spirit.
Whitefield later wrote, 'I know the place.... Whenever I go to Oxford, I cannot help running to the spot where Jesus Christ first revealed himself to me and gave me the new birth.' This was a pivotal moment for him, marking the beginning of his journey with Jesus. He had been striving for righteousness through his own efforts, but now discovered the grace of God through faith in Christ. In his own words, 'The Spirit of mourning was taken from me, and I knew what it was truly to rejoice in God my Saviour, and, for some time, could not avoid singing psalms wherever I was.'
A Preacher to Thousands
Following this revelation, Whitefield's heart was transformed. He was ordained a deacon in 1736 and became a fervent preacher, emphasizing the necessity of being 'born again.' His message resonated with many, and he began preaching not only in churches but also in open fields, reaching thousands.
Spark of the Great Awakening
Whitefield's ministry became a cornerstone of the First Great Awakening, and his compelling sermons, steeped in Calvinist theology, invited people to come to Jesus as they were.
George Whitefield's conversion is a testament to the profound impact of Jesus in transforming a life. His newfound faith fueled a ministry that would cross oceans and touch countless lives, all beginning with his encounter with the living Christ.
