Transparency

John Hyde, lovingly remembered as “praying Hyde,” did something controversial; something which sparked criticism from his brethren until they could no longer argue with the results. He was a missionary to India in the late 1800s to early 1900s. He loved God and longed to be effective in service. But he battled with hidden sins, which often pulled him down. During one meeting, he boldly confessed his sins to the group and shared how God had given him the victory. Several of his fellow missionaries disapproved of this baring of his heart. After all, they reasoned, if this seasoned missionary had sinned in such a way, surely the new believers would use that to justify their sin. But just the opposite happened. Conviction gripped hearts as confessions poured out. A revival began to take place! We always talk about wanting a revival, yet are we willing to humble ourselves, as John Hyde surely did? Public confession of sin is not in vogue, and we must be careful not to glorify sin. But would we not benefit from seeking godly counselors for accountability (Satan wants us to fight alone) and sharing our victories publicly, so that others may rejoice with us? Praying Hyde began asking God for 1 soul a day and by his untimely death, he was by faith seeing 4 souls saved every day. Often the hindrance to this prayer being answered, as he examined himself, was in his own spirit of thanklessness. Oh, for a generation of Christians, who are not afraid to be “real” and are characterized by thankful hearts. Will you be one?