Inspiration and Encouragement

I am currently reading Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret. This biography of the missionary to inland China is so inspiring.  His work, rather his tenacity for the work, and his passion to share the hope of Christ with so many who had never heard the Good News is amazing.
As with most missionaries, he faced severe hardships - both physical and financial, but he always put his needs to prayer and anxiously awaited God's answers.  He was a man who had exceptional faith. 

I thought I'd share a few of his thoughts with you - to inspire you and encourage you.

"It doesn't matter really, how great the pressure is; it only matters where the pressure lives.  See that it never comes between you and the Lord - then, the greater the pressure, the more it presses you to His breast."


"The secret of faith that is ready for emergencies is the quiet, practical dependence upon God day by day which makes Him real to the believing heart."


"Neglect of prayer and feeding on God's Word always brings coldness of heart."


"If we ask for anything unscriptural, or not in accordance with the will of God, Christ Himself could not do that. But if we ask anything according to his will...we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."


He prayed the following prayer, but I can't help but think how much it applies to my life as a wife and a mother.  


"Pray the Lord ever to give me the single eye, the clear judgment, the wisdom and gentleness, the patient spirit, the unwaivering purpose, the unshaken faith, the Christlike love needed for the efficient discharge of my duties."


I am thankful for the example of a faithful life.  Faith in God who is always faithful. Faith in prayer, that it always yields results. Faith in Christ Jesus, that He alone paid the debt I owe.  Faith - it's so simple and so rewarding.  It is all I need for "joy unspeakable", even when circumstances would dictate otherwise.