Do Something Daring

Dear friend,

Is God calling you to do something daring for His kingdom, but you are held back because of the risk involved? Maybe someone you know has become the voice of discouragement in your ears?

When John G. Paton determined to leave his successful ministry in Scotland for work among tribal people in the New Hebrides, there were many who sought to discourage him. Most did this out of love and because they wanted Paton to continue his work in their midst. One dear gentlemen, frustrated with the risk Paton was taking cried out, “The cannibals! You will be eaten by cannibals!”

The missionary replied with these cutting but brilliant words: “Mr. Dickson, you are advanced in years now, and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by worms, I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving and honoring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by cannibals or by worms, and in the Great Day my resurrection body will arise as fair as yours in the likeness of our risen Redeemer.”

Each of us who trusts Christ is headed to the same heaven. There in glory, the suffering of our bodies will be ended and we will enjoy the pleasure of God’s presence together. This being the case, we need not be afraid of danger in this life. In fact, because of our expectation for eternity, we can bravely serve him in this life. So do not hesitate, dear friend, to do something bold for Christ. Have that conversation about the Savior with your non-Christian friend, stop that questionable practice that you participate in at your workplace, and abandon those bad habits that you think you cannot do without. Some of you might even be called away to serve our King in a dangerous land. Go bravely, go boldly, go with the knowledge that your resurrected body will be as fine as those who play it safe.

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20b).

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder