UNDAUNTED PERSEVERANCE

Obstacles and opposition are common to a Christian. We should, in fact, expect them, in our journey with our LORD. Rather, we should be surprised, and may be concerned, if there are no obstacles and opposition, working actively against us, as Christians. This is true.

The obstacles and opposition, that we as the disciples of the LORD, come from different directions, and from different angles, with varying in intensity and intent. Come what may, we as Christians should brace ourselves, and undauntedly persevere, on the path our LORD and Master had called us to. It is not easy to walk such a path. Yet, all things are possible, for someone, who looks to the LORD, and is not perturbed by anything, that is happening around.

One such person, an example to emulate is, William Carey, the “Father of Protestant Missions.” On 11 March 1812, William Carey’s printing press, in Serampore, India, is caught in huge fire. It resulted in the destruction of the massive polyglot dictionary, two grammar books, sets of type for fourteen eastern languages, apart from the whole translated versions of the Bible. Any normal person would be shattered, seeing what had happened. Not so, William Carey. This is what sets Carey apart. Looking at the destruction, he says, “The loss is heavy, but as traveling a road the second time is usually done with greater ease and certainty than the first time, so I trust the work will lose nothing of real value . . . We are cast down but not in despair.”

This tragic incident turned into a blessing in disguise, for Carey, and for the missionary work. The news of the fire, made William Carey’s missionary work, to be known, far and wide. This brought, the much needed funds in abundance, and volunteers who wanted to work with him.

May the LORD raise up many more, in these last days, who have a burning passion, too serve like William Carey, and a heart that is filled with undaunted perseverance.