Smith Wigglesworth Quote: The Power of Turning to God Alone
“A man is in a great place when he has no one to turn to but God.” – Smith Wigglesworth
At first glance, this statement feels upside down. How can being out of options — with no one to call and no plan to fall back on — be a great place? For most people, that sounds like desperation and defeat. But for Smith Wigglesworth, a man whose ministry was marked by extraordinary miracles, bold faith, and uncompromising trust in God, it was not a place of weakness but of victory.
When life strips away every human solution, you are left in the safest, most powerful place — fully dependent on God. In that place, there is no divided loyalty, no backup plan, and no false sense of self-sufficiency. There is only raw, undiluted trust in the Almighty. And it’s often in that posture that we witness God’s most extraordinary works.
Why Being Cornered Can Be a Blessing
We often view moments of total helplessness as failures, but in God’s economy, they can be turning points. When you have no other source but God, you begin to see Him as your provider, healer, and deliverer in ways you couldn’t before.
In the Bible, we see this repeatedly:
- Israel at the Red Sea – Trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the water, they had nowhere else to turn. In that moment, God parted the sea (Exodus 14:13-31).
- Jehoshaphat’s prayer – Facing a vast enemy army, the king admitted, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12). God responded with a miraculous victory.
- Hannah’s desperation – In her anguish over barrenness, she poured her heart out to God, and He gave her Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-20).
Each of these moments looked like defeat until God stepped in.
But Don’t Wait Until You’re Desperate
While Wigglesworth’s statement celebrates the beauty of desperate faith, the greater truth is this: you don’t have to wait until every door is closed before leaning fully on God. In fact, Scripture consistently calls us to put God first in every decision, every plan, and every need.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
- Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
- Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
When you start with God, you avoid the emotional exhaustion that comes from relying on human strength alone. And you position yourself to hear His voice and walk in His direction before the pressure builds.
Prayer Prompt Insight
Wigglesworth’s life was a living example of this truth. His ministry was not built on human strategy or connections but on an unwavering confidence in the power of God. He understood that every resource we have — friends, finances, skills — is limited. Only God’s help is infinite, unchanging, and perfectly timed.
If you make God your last resort, you may still see His power — but you’ll often endure unnecessary anxiety first. If you make Him your first resort, you’ll experience His peace and guidance at every step, not just in emergencies.
Practical Ways to Live This Out
- Start Your Day with Surrender – Before you pick up your phone or write your to-do list, acknowledge God as your ultimate source and invite Him to lead your day.
- Pray Before You Plan – Before you seek advice or start solving problems, talk to God about them. This shows Him you value His wisdom above all.
- Anchor Your Trust in God’s Character – Remind yourself daily that His power, love, and faithfulness never fail — even when people and circumstances do.
- Celebrate Small Deliverances – Don’t wait for a massive miracle to thank Him. Recognise His hand in the small victories; it builds your faith for the big ones.
- Keep a “God Alone” Journal – Record moments where God came through when no one else could. Revisit them whenever you feel tempted to lean solely on human help.
Final Word
If you are in a season where no one can fix what you are facing — rejoice. You are in the perfect place for God to display His faithfulness. But don’t wait for desperation to push you to His feet. Live in a way that makes Him your first choice, your constant counsellor, and your only unshakable foundation.
Wigglesworth’s wisdom is a reminder that the greatest victories are often found at the end of ourselves — but the most peaceful journeys begin when we start with God.
FAQ
What did Smith Wigglesworth mean by having no one to turn to but God?
Wigglesworth meant that when all human resources are exhausted and you stand alone before God, you enter a place of pure faith and dependence. In that position, there's no divided loyalty or backup plan—only undiluted trust in the Almighty. It's not desperation but a powerful place where God's extraordinary works often happen.
Why does the Bible show God working when people have nowhere else to turn?
When humans exhaust their own solutions, they're forced to fully trust God, and that's when He reveals His power most clearly. Israel at the Red Sea, Jehoshaphat facing enemies, and Hannah in her barrenness all encountered God's miraculous intervention precisely when they had no other option. Total dependence on God removes obstacles to His work.
How can I trust God alone before I reach a crisis?
You don't have to wait for desperation to lean fully on God. Scripture calls us to put Him first in every decision and need right now. Start your day with surrender, pray before you plan, and anchor your trust in God's unchanging character. This positions you to hear His voice and experience His peace at every step, not just in emergencies.
What are practical ways to live out trusting God alone?
Begin each day by acknowledging God as your ultimate source before checking your phone or planning. Pray about problems before seeking advice from others. Remind yourself daily of God's unfailing power and love. Keep a journal of moments where God came through, even small ones, to build your faith and recognition of His constant provision.
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Amen Amen. I will ponder this often. Thank God for showing Himself strong during my time of desperate need, but I thank Him that I can seek Him first, trust His ways, and put my hope in Him instead of material resources, and He will come through.
Amen.
In Jesus Name… Amen 🙏🙏
Amen and Amen
Amen picking God first 🙏 is always a winning solution. Thank you God for all your blessings each day. And giving us the knowledge we need to be in eternal like with you. 🙏 🤲 ✝️
Thank you Lord. I receive these word of encouragement fully in Jesus name Amen 🙏
Amen
Trusting God Alone means:
Relying on God’s wisdom above human understanding
Depending on God for provision, protection, and direction
Refusing to make idols of people, money, or strength
Remaining faithful even when circumstances are uncertain
Obeying God even when the outcome is not yet clear
Key Scripture References
Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Psalm 20:7
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”
Jeremiah 17:5–7
“Cursed is the man who trusts in man… Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.”
Psalm 62:5–8
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”
Isaiah 26:3–4
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
Psalm 118:8–9
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”
Hebrews 11:6
“Without faith it is impossible to please God…”