Edward Mote was raised in the early 1800’s in London, by his pub-owning parents. Often neglected and left to his own devices, his Sundays were spent playing on the streets of this bustling city. “So ignorant was I that I did not know there was a God” (Terry, Lindsey).
The years went by and young Edward became a carpenter’s apprentice, honing and practicing the skills necessary to eventually open his own cabinetmaking shop in Southwark, a suburb of London.
During these same years, he began attending Tottenham Court Road Chapel where he heard a sermon by Minister John Hyatt. “He soon learned by Hyatt’s sermons that Jesus Christ could take away all the fears of life and give him the peace of heart and mind that he had long desired” (Terry, Lindsey). He was baptized at the age of eighteen, and became a devoted churchman, seeking God and desiring that one day he may be a pastor of his own church.
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We are leading up to my favorite part of his testimony: how God can take any moment–even that of a mundane walk to work– and transform it into a life-changing, all for God’s glory moment!!!
Let’s continue…
While walking to work one day, Edward began to think about writing a hymn. Even before he had reached his cabinet shop, he had the chorus (and I’m almost positive you’ve heard it before):
“On Christ the solid rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.”
By the end of his work day, he had four stanzas completed.
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus name.”
The hymn that we recognize now as, “The Solid Rock,” was Mote’s lyrics set to music composed by William B. Bradley in 1837.
Mote continued his carpentry work for quite a few years and was quite successful at it, so much so, that his material success at this job, was used in a such way by God, to allow one of his earlier dreams to come true.
“Yet the real dream of this devoted disciple was to become a pastor of a church. Because of his financial means, he took on the project of providing primary funding…of a nice church building in the village of Horsham, Sussex, England for the Baptists there” (Maxey, Al).
Upon the completion of this church, the congregation wanted the deed of the building to go to Edward Mote. He would have nothing to do with that. His desire was to the pulpit and preach. “I do not want the chapel; I only want the pulpit, and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that” (Maxey, Al).
For over twenty-one years, Pastor Mote preached at the Baptist church in Sussex, England, never missing one Sunday, and never was he “turned out of the pulpit.” He faithfully preached the Good News of Jesus Christ every chance he could.
Due to ill health, he retired from the pastorate at the age of 77 and passed away a year later. He is buried in the churchyard of this beloved church where God gave him the desire of his heart– to preach.
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Are you hoping and believing that God can turn an “ordinary moment” in your day into a life-changing, all for God’s glory moment?! I am!!
Because God can use an ordinary person, like me (and you), for His Glory!! The Bible is full of examples and that’s why I love testimonies’ like this!!! Amen?!
To do that, just like Pastor Mote did, surrender your life and heart to Jesus Christ, seek Him daily through prayer and His Word, and live each day Trusting His Guidance and Provision and Promises.
Who knows, maybe one day your testimony will change in this way:
“While driving in my car on the way to work, suddenly, I had the desire from God to….”
All the glory to God,
Shanon
Image of: “Build on the Rock- Life, Hope, and Truth.com
Image of: “Dear Lord…” by Pinterest and prayables.
Maxey, Al. “Precious Hope of Pastor Mote” Reflections. Issue #584. 9 August 2013. Web. 29 August 2019.
Terry, Lindsey. “Story Behind the Song: ‘The Solid Rock.'” The St. Augustine Record. 10 September 2015. Web. 29 August 2019.
Heaven Sent Sentiments 