Willing

A few years ago, I heard a missionary family talk about how they had been serving in an area of the world that did not have many Christians at all.  In fact, they were the only Christians, save one, in their area.  They had been serving in this area for 15 years and were in the US for just a few months and then would be returning to the same area.  In 15 years of "being on mission" and serving in this area, they had only seen one convert.  I have to tell you, this stuck with me.  It has stuck with me for a long time.  Their love for the people was so evident and they continually labored for the Lord and shared the gospel.  But in all the years, there was only one convert.  I kept thinking to myself, "how discouraging."  But here they were, continually obeying the call of Christ.

I get discouraged when my children don't seem to be listening about Jesus or when one of our students doesn't seem to be obeying the call placed on their life.  I have been thinking a lot about these missionaries lately as I have gone through my own period of discouragement.  It is nothing compared to what they must feel but it is mine, nonetheless.  I honestly cannot imagine the loneliness they must experience simply from others around them not understanding what they are doing or why they are doing it.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God calls people to go to places like this, because I know that without that calling, you would grow weary and you would give up.  It takes something beyond our own strength to serve in this way.

Yesterday, as  I went to be with my church family to celebrate the Risen Savior, I couldn't help but think of those who are not allowed to celebrate Him in the public square.  I thought about those who don't have a church family to gather with.  I thought about those who must feel more discouragement than I will probably ever know.  But I also thought about how the Savior is still Risen.  Death has still been defeated.  He knew suffering more than we ever will.  His cause is worth the loneliness we may sometimes feel.  His cause is worth the discouragement we may sometimes feel.  His cause is worth the rejection that will come.  His cause is worth the ridicule that we may face.  His cause is worth our life, should it come to that.

Yesterday was a beautiful day because 2,000 years ago death was defeated.  In the midst of discouragement, loneliness, rejection, ridicule, persecution, tribulations, and anything else that may come our way, we can find the joy and the contentment that only comes from Christ.  We can endure because He endured.  And not only did He endure but He overcame.

Are we willing to take up His cause?