When Hudson Taylor became deathly ill and had to return to England to receive needed medical care, he wondered if and when he'd be able to take his family back to China. During the healing process, Taylor used the time to reevaluate the ministry and his goal to preach to those living in inland China.
The three years convalescing proved invaluable. At this time, the China Inland Mission came to life. Those working with Taylor set up the administration and finances then called for recruits and taught language and Bible lessons. In the hours he didn't sleep, Taylor worked with a helper to write a translation of the New Testament in a Chinese language. A few years after leaving, Taylor brought sixteen missionaries with his own family back to China, ready to begin a new ministry.
What would have been missed if he had given up while recuperating from his disease? What would have happened if he never became sick and instead stayed in China's port cities?
Or here is another example: Abraham Lincoln, a small town boy with little education other than what he learned on his own, became president of the United States.
Not is it possible to miss great opportunities, but sometimes we move and train in what we think is the right direction only to discover it isn't the glorious opportunity God had for us.
I think of athletes who are injured and unable to compete.
Missionaries who are unable to raise support.
Students who don't score high enough on an entrance exam.
etc.
Once these folks find the next part of their journey, they frequently see the unexpected blessing.
Life is a training.
Full of surprises and changes. Like the first uncomfortable gasp of breath at birth.
Friend, don't get comfortable, God has a plan for your life. It may or may not be what you thought. Are you ready for the next great adventure?
photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
Comments