In our final life lesson for leaders, #12 in this series, I want to encourage you to never give up. Take time to read about William Carey sometime. What he faced as he served as a missionary in India would make most people give up and go home, but not him. He refused to disbelieve God’s call in his life and because of it an entire nation was changed.
Disease claimed the life of his little son and his wife almost lost her mind from grief. It eventually caused her to prematurely lose her life. Even so, William continued to learn the language and preach the Gospel in India. He refused to give up and go home because he knew God’s call on his life was to stay put and trust Him.
He worked to translate the Bible into various Indian languages. When a fire burned up the press and valuable works, he still didn’t give up. He started over. When Satan attacked, William grew stronger and more determined. He truly lived out his famous quote, “Expect great things form God, attempt great things from God.” His refusal to give up meant much for the people of India: the stopping of infanticide as well as the spread of the Gospel. He was only one man, but he marked a nation as he served God as His bidding.
We need to continually ask ourselves if we are investing in the eternal things of God, or the earthly things that pull at our time and attention. Galatians 6:7-10 gives us some encouragement to keep on doing His will: “Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.”
A few years ago during a difficult time in ministry (read more here) when I was ready to give up, I sought God’s reaffirmation and He gave me this verse to memorize (the italics are my changes as I personalized it): “(S)he did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise, but was strengthened in (her) his faith and gave glory to God, because (s)he was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” (Romans 4:20-21 HSCB)
What obstacles in ministry are you facing right now? Have you asked God to reaffirm your calling? If so, and if He has, then persist in that calling in your life, even if it is difficult. The eternal rewards will be well worth the sacrifice.
For more helpful resources, check out Women Reaching Women Beginning & Building a Growing Women’s Enrichment Ministry, Revised.
For more encouragement, go to other Life Lessons.
