Discipleship and Steadfastness
I Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (NRSV)
Some years back, there was a missionary with the same kind of persevering passion as we find in Caleb in the Book of Joshua. His name was Jonathan Goforth of China. Yes, that was his real name. At an advanced age, his mission was turned over to the United Church of Canada. He was now separated from his life's labor in China. His wife was weak with illness, and he was accompanied by two lady missionaries who were now semi-invalid and a young man who did not know the languages. Closed doors and nothing but difficulties surrounded him. But at seventy years of age, when most are retired or dead, Goforth set out for a new field to preach the name of Christ where it had not been named. Goforth tried to enter five fields in Manchuria—and every door closed. But his faith was steadfast. Then came a call to northwest Manchuria, and another miracle of modern missions occurred. Almost two thousand people came to Christ through his ministry in a few short years—when all doors seemed shut. (James S. Hewett)
As Christians, it's crucial to recognize that life isn't always smooth sailing. Often, people will say, "How good God is! We prayed that it would not rain for our church picnic, and look at the lovely weather!”
Yes, God is good when He sends good weather. But as Corrie Ten Boom shares, God was also good when He allowed her sister, Betsie, to starve to death before her eyes in a German concentration camp. She said, "I remember one occasion when I was very discouraged there. Everything around us was dark, and there was darkness in my heart. I remember telling Betsie that I thought God had forgotten us.
"No, Corrie," said Betsie, "He has not forgotten us. Remember His Word: 'For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.'"
Corrie concludes, "There is an ocean of God's love available there is plenty for everyone. May God grant you never to doubt that victorious love whatever the circumstances."
Yes, sometimes we'll be at the peak of a mountain enjoying an incredible view and the richest of blessings. Yet, at other times, we'll be dredging our way through a valley, and in those seasons, our lives may seem to lack the fruit of our hard work. How we deal with these seasons and their challenges will exemplify our faith.
The same can be said for discipleship.
There will be seasons where our work feels like it is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58); we won't always see the progress, growth, and fruit, but continue to sow.
Don't lose hope.
Don't lose sight.
Don't lose faith.
'And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:9-10
This week, commit to a specific action to invest in a valuable relationship you want to cultivate.
Comments
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November 3, 2024
Wonderful message! Don’t lose hope, sight and faith is my daily prayer! ❤️
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October 13, 2024
Wonderful message. It can be discouraging if we don’t keep our eyes on the prize…
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