Read: Luke 14:25-34
There are few men in history who have truly known what it means to count the cost of being a disciple of Jesus. William Carey left his entire life behind in England to go to India in 1792 as a missionary. After being in the country for a short time Carey contracted malaria and his 5 year old son died of dysentery. As a result his wife suffered a mental breakdown and had to be physically restrained. Carey's response? "This is indeed the valley of the shadow of death to me, but I rejoice that I am here notwithstanding; and God is here.”
Despite these terrible hardships Carey persevered in preaching the gospel in India. In fact, it would be seven years of hard work before Carey would even see his first convert. When Carey died in 1834 only 700 people had come to Christ directly because of his labour. Despite these seemingly discouraging statistics God used the foundation laid by Carey for great things. Carey and his colleagues translated the entire Bible into six of the major Indian languages. They started the Serampore College, which continues training and teaching Indian pastors to this day. Perhaps most powerfully Carey began a missionary movement which continued throughout the 19th century paving the way for many men and women who devoted their lives to sharing the gospel.
What made this possible? It was not that Carey was great or that he was able to accomplish incredible things on his own. It was not that he was a brilliant orator, linguist or educator. It was not even that Carey was sinless.
Rather Carey truly understood what it meant to give up everything to be a disciple of Jesus. He truly understood that if Christ has given His life for our sake our only sufficient response is to live our lives fully for Him. He truly understood what it meant to spend his whole life for the sake of the gospel.
As a result of this commitment God poured out His grace on the life of William Carey and used him to accomplish incredible gospel results in India. God extends this same grace to us. We don’t have to travel to a distant land and preach for 40 years to be a committed disciple of Jesus. Rather, if we are willing to step out and spend our lives for the sake of the gospel what kind of fruit would we see here in our city, in our state, in our country and in the world?! If we were willing to persevere in sharing our faith with others despite discouraging results, what would God do in our lives? What would our communities look like if we were willing to give up everything to be a disciple of Jesus?
As you go about your day today think about what it would look like to give up everything to be a disciple of Jesus. What would that look like at work? What would that look like at home with your family? What would that look like as you do your grocery shopping or spend time with your friends? What would it look like for you to give up everything to spend your life in service of God’s kingdom?
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
Pray that God would keep your mind and focus on Him at all times today. Pray that in everything you do you would remember to be a witness to those around you who don’t know Him. Pray that He would reveal to you how your faith in Him would affect every moment of your day.
Pray for the leadership of our country. Pray that God would give the Prime Minister and the Opposition leader wisdom and grace in their approach to politics. Pray that they would be good witnesses for the sake of the gospel. Pray that all those in leadership would make godly decisions which serve the greater good of our country and the world.
My Additional Prayer Points.
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Discussion Questions For Families and Groups
1. Spend some time discussing God’s great grace to us. Share with each other how you came to know Jesus.
2. Are there situations in your life where you do not forgive others? Share those with the group.
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