J. W. Adcock taken from “The Holy Spirit in Life and Labors”
A number of Free Methodist churches were having a special meeting in their church in Lawrenceville, Illinois. I had the honor of being the speaker for this particular service. My text was the last part of Genesis 42:36. It reads, “All these things are against me.” These are the words of Jacob when he thought Joseph had been dead for years, Simeon had been left in Egypt, and there was an effort to take Benjamin to Egypt. Notice how he expresses it as he says, “Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away.” Jacob was badly mistaken in thinking all those things were against him. God was working things around for him to see Joseph who he thought had been dead for years. My subject in deal- ing with my text was, “A Smiling Face Behind a Frowning Providence.” The devil would like to rob us of the rich Scriptural teaching on Divine Providence. Oh! what a battle the devil gave me in the earlier part of the message. It was somewhat as if I were reaching into thin air grasping for words. And then something happened; the blessed Holy Spirit set me in a large place of liberty and blessing. I don’t remember ever having my nothingness and God’s all-sufficiency so distinctly revealed in one and the same message. The aid of the Holy Ghost was so pronounced and blessed! The church official over that section of churches was present. I understand he claimed the message was worth five hundred dollars to him. They had lost an only son in Uncle Sam’s service, and the Lord got to his soul with needed help. The Holy Spirit made the difference! Bless His dear name!