With everything you’ve got

Devotional, week 11

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)

William Carey is regarded as the father of what we call traditional missions – or the mission agency model of doing missions. In some ways that is true. But William Carey could just as well be regarded as a father for professionals, businesspeople and students who go cross-culturally to share the Gospel.  

In India Carey operated as a botanist, a lecturer, a Bible translator and a businessman. He also wrote articles for well-known publications like the Encyclopedia Britannica. Through his work, he generated enough income to finance his own life and support others on his team. William Carey can be an example for many of us today. Like the apostle Paul, he served Christ in everything he did (Col 3:23). As he was using his God-given skills in the society, he also shared his faith in Jesus with people around him. As a result of his work, many churches were planted.  

God has called us to cultivate, work and take care of the world He has placed us in (Gen 2). Let us work on everything with our eyes fixed on Jesus, so we can serve Him well in all that we do - even in times when we grow weary (Heb 12:1-3).  

Let’s pray! Father, strengthen us with your Holy Spirit and enlarge our vision of your Kingdom to encompass all areas of our lives.