The legacy of Lottie Moon lives on more than a hundred years after her death. Originally from the US, she traveled to China as a missionary and later established the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, which has raised more than $1.5 billion (US) for missions since 1888. Many received salvation in Jesus during her years of ministry, but she endured difficult circumstances in the process. She suffered discrimination as a single woman and also faced illness, famine, and war. Lottie remained resolute, however, as she continued to share the good news and urged others to do the same.
God provided what Lottie Moon needed as she served Him on the mission field. It wasn’t easy, but she persevered by His power and strength.
When many of us first came to Christ, it’s likely we were eager to do His will and ready to endure much suffering for His sake (Hebrews 10:32-34). Over the years, however, we may become weary in our resolve as difficult circumstances leave us feeling disillusioned. The writer of Hebrews tells us to cling to our “confident trust in the Lord” (Hebrews 10:35). And as we patiently endure, we can “continue to do God’s will” and “receive all that he has promised” (Hebrews 10:36).
Be encouraged to hold tightly without wavering from your hope, for God can be trusted to keep His promises! And while we serve Him, we can also think of ways to motivate others to acts of love and good works (Hebrews 10:23-24).
Just as Lottie Moon remained resolute in her calling to tell people about Jesus Christ, plant churches in China, and mobilize many to missions despite great opposition, may we also patiently endure all things, remaining true to God’s call in our lives. He is faithful and will provide what we need!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 42:1-38
More:
Read James 1:2-4 and consider what happens as we persevere through the challenges of life by God’s strength.
Next:
How have you been struggling to patiently endure in your faith and ministry for God? What encouragement and resources has He provided to help you press on in hope?
Gary Shultz on January 26, 2016 at 6:06 am
What a great and encouraging account of a life well lived for God. To endure for God is a most excellent virtue. He wants me to do that, He has given us the equipment to do that, and He sends the power of His Spirit to do that. I must use those things, I must saturate my being in God’s word and stand by it’s convictions. Older is better when it comes to walking with God, it’s taken years, but God is the sweetness of life, He is what the soul has longed for, may we walk into His arms. Thank you Ruth
jim spillane on January 26, 2016 at 11:56 am
Gary – “What a great and encouraging” comment. You have captured the essence of today’s devotion in just a few sentences. Thanx.
Tim Gustafson on January 26, 2016 at 6:52 am
Gary, your comment is very encouraging too. “Older is better when it comes to walking with God.” Thanks, Ruth, for this encouragement to keep on!
Tom Felten on January 26, 2016 at 7:48 am
Ruth, I was thinking about this topic just the other day. How good it is to remind ourselves that God and His vast resources haven’t changed! In every season of life, He is there and He will provide what we need to do His will. Yes, may we press on by His power and strength!
gagirllive on January 26, 2016 at 9:02 am
This encourages me, Ruth. For me, perseverance is one of the hardest things to learn. I like to see results. I’m spending time in Genesis right now. God’s promises were seemingly slow in being fulfilled, and many of those saints showed great perseverance in waiting on God in their difficulties. He always operates “in the fullness of time”, however. I realize that while God was building a nation, He was also building faith-filled men and women. Of course, He’s still doing that. I don’t want to ever throw away my confidence in Him. I thank God for the “Heroes of Faith” stories like Lottie Moon that spur me on. May we all press on in our journey! Thanks, Ruth.
Mike Wittmer on January 26, 2016 at 10:27 am
I love these stories of godly people who claimed the promises of God. May I follow Lottie’s example and live in hope today.
Roxanne Robbins on January 26, 2016 at 12:49 pm
What a timely dose of encouragement — to keep pressing on in the mission / work God’s called me to. Thank you, Ruth!
Ruth O'reilly-smith on January 26, 2016 at 3:34 pm
Like Lottie, the heroes of the faith remind us that our labour in the Lord is not in vain. I’m praying you are reminded again of why God has placed you where you are.