Remember those black and white portraits in our history textbooks–those figures posed stiffly with expressionless faces? They looked more like statues than real people. In fact, they appeared downright bored, didn’t they?
Take A.B. Simpson here.
Albert Benjamin Simpson (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
He looks the part of a serious preacher, which he was. Reverend Simpson was also a theologian and prolific author. He wrote 101 books, numerous hymns, periodicals, articles, and even complete curriculums.
Oh. And he founded a denomination. A rather impressive list of accomplishments. No wasting time for Albert.
But A.B. did much more than sit in a book-lined office with stacks of research everywhere. While pastoring a prestigious church in New York City, God laid a special call upon his heart–to establish a church specifically for the immigrants pouring into the city. A.B. felt burdened for the poor, homeless, sick and displaced.
Yet his dream did not stop there. Albert wondered how he could reach people overseas who did not yet know Jesus. And one thing began to lead to another. He gathered like-minded people together that led to Sunday afternoon meetings, which became revivals along the East Coast. And The Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination was born.
From the soul of such an impassioned, focused, persevering man came these warm-hearted words:
Let us but feel that
He has His heart set upon us,
that He is watching us from those heavens
with tender interest,
that He is following us day by day
as a mother follows her babe
in his first attempt to walk alone,
that He has set His love upon us,
and in spite of ourselves
is working out for us
His higher will and blessing,
as far as we will let Him –
and then nothing can discourage us.
–A. B. Simpson (1843-1919)
Knowing that A.B. gave his life in selfless service, I find his words all the more meaningful. Surely he felt God’s heart set upon him and following close during his many endeavors, that his Heavenly Father was working things out–in spite of himself. Not just minimal sustenance, but for God’s higher will and blessing.
I like that. Those words “higher will and blessing” hold hope and excitement for what’s to come for each of us, as God’s plan unfolds indefinitely until we meet him face to face.
I’m with A.B; I want nothing to hold me back. No doubt you feel the same.
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for introducing me to A.B. Simpson today. I love this quote that highlights your compassionate love, your desire to use us, and even bless us. May I be mindful of your watchfulness, and then nothing can discourage me.
From the Inside Out 
I love reading stories about people of faith and how their faith impacted others then and even now! I also love the thought of God of God looking down with interest and helping us move toward His higher will and blessing! I want to be more attentive!
‘So glad you found the post meaningful. I, too, receive encouragement and inspiration from heroes/heroines of the faith. And, oh yes, to be more attentive! That is a prayer God will take great delight in answering, no doubt! Thank you for stopping by, dear friend.
I am with you Nancy, i want nothing to hold me back. Thanks again for your blog.
Your comment sparked a question: WHY do I allow events, emotions, and distractions to hold me back when the God of the universe takes tender interest in me and is always working his best for me? Is he my ALL or not? Thank you for making me think, Laura, and for being such a faithful reader.
Funny, I grew up in a CMA church and never once did I hear any specifics of this man. I love the words of his that you shared. My interest is piqued–I may have to add his work to my list of must-reads!
It was my pleasure to introduce you to A.B. Simpson! To be honest, I just met him myself, as a result of coming across this quote. There are so many heroes/ heroines of our faith we know nothing about, and yet the stories of their devotion to God, their courage, faith, and service provide powerful examples for us to follow. A.B. is certainly one of them! Thank you for your comment, Rebeca. May you be blessed by A.B.’s writings.
Nancy, I also attended a CMA church for awhile and don’t remember hearing about A.B. Simpson. I identified with your response to larnold32. It is what I am constantly struggling with… Then on top of allowing the worries and distractions in, I wrack myself with guilt for not relying on my Faithful Saviour. He is so faithful to me; why can’t I have a CONSTANT faith for him to work all things together for his purpose. I forget who said this as I paraprase…’Help thou my unbelief.’ Substituting ‘Help thou my lack of complete and constant faith! I’m sorry you struggle with events, emotions, and distractions…but somehow it made me feel better that I am not alone in this.
Thank you, Cheri, for your thoughtful comments. I keep reminding myself: struggle is good for you. Faith and maturity grow through challenge, not so much during times of ease. And, oh yes, the prayer “Help thou my unbelief” (Mark 9:24) is an important step in that process.