Hudson Taylor went to China as a missionary when he was about 21 years old. At that time (1853) there were some missionaries on the coast of China, but none in the vast inland. Hudson became burdened with the interior of China and so founded the China Inland Mission and worked tirelessly to send people to proclaim Christ to all the lands of China. By the time of his death (1905) there were more than 800 missionaries in China under the guidance of the China Inland Mission. That is an impressive work for a man's lifetime! But Husdon said this:
"An easy, non-self-denying life will never be one of power. Fruit-bearing involves cross-bearing."
And bear the cross he did. His lifetime was one of work, suffering, and loss, but do you think he was sorrowful, anxious, or fearful? One who spent time with him said this, "He was an object lesson in quietness. He drew from the bank of heaven every farthing of his daily income, 'My peace I give unto you.' (John 14:27)"
What was his "spiritual secret"? He completely leaned on Christ for everything. Here is a super long quote:
"I am no longer anxious about anything for He, I know, is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine. It makes no matter where He places me, or how. That is rather for Him to consider than for me; for in the easiest position He must give me His grace, and in the most difficult His grace is sufficient. It little matters to my servant whether I send him to buy a few cash worth of things or the most expensive articles. In either case he looks to me for the money and brings me his purchases. So if God should place me in great perplexity, must He not give me much guidance; in positions of great difficulty, much grace; in circumstances of great pressure and trial, much strength? No fear that His resources will be unequal to the emergency! And His resources are mine-for He is mine, and is with me and dwells in me."
I wish I could fill this blog with quotes from Hudson Taylor, but I won't. Read the book!
2 comments:
Hudson Taylor has long been hugely influential in my life, as an example of a man living in God's power. Often I face an extra challenge in ministry or in service to Him, an wonder how in the world "I" can accomplish it. I usually go back to his quote as a summary of God's promises: "God's will done God's way will never lack God's supply". I love that super long quote you included too: just one more dimension of that. Thanks for sharing!!!
That was soooooo good, thank you. This was something I really needed to read today as the struggles with this church are getting to me. God will find a way to accomplish His will here and I can't get anxious about every little thing. Love you....
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