by Julie Zine Coleman @JulieZColeman
On a September morning in 1853, young Hudson Taylor departed England for Shanghai, China. He was just 21 years old, but possessed a God-given passion for the Chinese people. At that time, there were only a few dozen missionaries bringing the gospel to this great empire largely unknown to the west. During Hudson’s fifty-year ministry, that would all change.
Unlike the established missionary presence which largely kept to coastal areas, Hudson traveled deep into China’s interior. He eventually established the China Inland Mission, which would sponsor over 1,000 new missionaries to China in Hudson’s lifetime. His lifetime of dedicated service continues to be an inspiration to Christians everywhere even today.
And now for the rest of the story… I wish I could tell you that God blessed Hudson with a life free of trouble as he ministered so tirelessly among the Chinese. Not so. Hudson contracted a serious illness, probably hepatitis, and was forced to return to England for an extended time. For the rest of his days, he would struggle with poor health. Hudson also suffered several long bouts of serious depression. His beloved wife died at age 33. Four of their eight children died before the age of ten. In 1900, exhausted and overwhelmed, Hudson suffered a complete physical and mental breakdown. His was no “charmed” life.
The Chinese church is most likely the fastest growing church on earth today. Largely underground due to oppressive government policies, it has been estimated that 234 million Chinese are now believers. Much of the success in reaching the Chinese with the gospel is a result of the seeds sowed by Hudson Taylor in the nineteenth century. I wonder if he could have ever imagined how amazingly God would use his efforts.
We are called to be faithful in doing what God has called us to do. We are not given any guarantees or even insight as to the eventual success of our efforts. Our lives will not be free of problems and obstacles. Yet we are called to persevere, operating in faith that God will use our meager and faulty efforts to build His kingdom.
The prophets faced this same challenge. 1 Peter 1:12 tells us, “It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you…” As the ancient prophets recorded God’s words to them, it was not for themselves or even their contemporaries, but for those of a future generation, which would use their writings to confirm the messiah’s identity and comprehend the plans of God. The prophets simply did as God asked, never seeing the fruit of their labor in their own lifetimes. It was obedience in faith.
What has God called you to do? It probably does not appear to be a world-impacting ministry. Our efforts rarely do. Like Hudson Taylor, we will face hardship and discouragement as we attempt to obey. Our responsibility is only to do what we are called to do. Simple obedience is all that is required.
God will take our efforts and use them for his kingdom, generously allowing us to participate in his glorious cause.
“Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth… Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” 1 Corinthians 3:7-8 NASB
About the author: Julie Coleman helps others to understand and know an unexpected God. A popular conference and retreat speaker, she holds an M.A. in biblical studies. Julie is the managing editor for Arise Daily. When she is not glaring at her computer, she spends time with her grandchildren, gardening, or walking her neurotic dog. More on Julie can be found at unexpectedgod.com and Facebook.
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Thank you for your thoughtful encourage for us today. If I remember right, the secret of Hudson’s endurance was His full and total commitment that whatever happens God is Sovereign. He leaned heavily on Romans 12:1-2. What a great walking witness for all us.
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His is a great story. My husband often reminds me when I’m fretting about some issue in our local body: “This is God’s Church.”
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What a beautiful reminder to keep on serving. I had no idea all that Hudson Taylor went through.
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I know, right? Such an encouragement to us all.
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How encouraging to be reminded that our fruitfulness is not necessarily seen during our own service, but rather, often it is seen afterward! As I have given away the books I’ve written on salvation, I get little feedback – only encouraging insights once in a great while. But someday God will show me what HE did with that message among children, and then I will be satisfied. That keeps me going! Sheri
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I think we may be surprised at what God did (and didn’t) use when we get to heaven!
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When missionaries are sent out, we forget that some have buried their children under soil of the nation they’re called to serve. They’ve planted more than the gospel in that soil, they planted their hearts and watered it with their tears.
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