2Tim2:10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen ( NLT)
Albert Schweitzer was a German missionary to Africa. He was a theologian, musicologist and physician. He was trained in theology and music at first.
One day, he saw an advert by a Missionary Society about the need for missionaries in Africa with expertise in medicine. He decided to dump all he was doing to enrol in medical school because he wanted to reach out to some primitive people in some parts of Africa.
This decision was not accepted by families and friends but he went ahead to study medicine because he wanted to be a medical missionary. To him, medicine was beyond a money- making profession but a tool for kingdom expansion.
In 1912, he arrived at Lambaréné on the Ogooué river, in what is now Gabon, in Africa (then a French colony). He moved to Africa at a time when Africa was dubbed 'white man's grave'.
It wasn't an easy decision in the flesh to leave the comfort of Europe for Africa at a time when there were no modern day comfort. He did this just for the sake of souls to be won to the Lord.
Need I tell you about David Livingstone whose heart was buried in Africa because his heart was totally devoted to his missionary calling to the part of Africa where he served. He died because of malaria and dysentery.
He could have chosen the ease of Europe but he decided to go all out for the sake of souls. What can you endure for the sake of the gospel? What can you endure for the sake of one soul?
Apostle Paul said he can endure anything as long as it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ. I ask myself if I can boldly say the same in God's presence.
In our little way, we need to start growing spiritual muscles to be able to endure anything for the sake of lost souls if it will bring salvation and eternal glory. This is because, many souls are on their way to hell on a very fast lane. If we do not rescue them, they may be lost eternally.
Our mission is not to pity souls but to rescue them.
A rescue operation is not easy most times but as the Lord gives grace, be involved.
Father, I receive grace on this matter in Jesus name.