Spurgeon's Work of Faith for the Glory of God

I've been reading John Piper's Future Grace as my summer devotional in between school-year Bible studies. I'm only about halfway through -- it's rather slow going as I have to stop and chew on it for a while. Piper really makes me think! In one of his chapters on how faith and the law work in concert, he quotes Charles Spurgeon. The quote really struck me, but I'll let you read it before I elaborate.

Beloved, have genuine faith in the Word of God, and in its power to save. Do not go up into the pulpit preaching the truth and saying, "I hope some good will come of it;" but confidently believe that it will not return void, but must work the eternal purpose of God. Do not speak as if the gospel might have some power, or might have none. God sends you to me a miracle-worker; therefore, say to the spiritually lame, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk," and men will rise up and walk; but if you say, "I hope, dear man, that Jesus Christ may be able to make you rise up and walk," your Lord will frown upon your dishonoring words. You have lowered Him, you have brought Him down to the level of your unbelief; and He cannot do many mighty works by you. Speak boldly; for if you speak by the Holy Spirit, you cannot speak in vain. (emphasis added)

Wow! I was so convicted by the italicized statement. How often do I just hope that God will work in a situation or a person, rather than fully embracing and proclaiming His complete ability to accomplish His good and perfect will. Oh to have the faith in God's future grace, that He can and will do mighty things in and through me! Lord, help my unbelief!