"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God"
William Carey, 1792
"At a meeting of Baptist leaders in the late 1700s, a newly ordained minister stood to argue for the value of overseas missions. He was abruptly interrupted by an older minister who said, "Young man, sit down! You are an enthusiast. When God pleases to convert the heathen, he'll do it without consulting you or me."[1]
That newly ordained minister was William Carey.
While the older minister could not see beyond the doors of his own church, Carey saw the spiritual hunger of the entire continent of India. For the next 41 years he would attempt great things for God in that land. You can read a short summary of the amazing work the Lord accomplished through Carey byclicking here.
Today I am reflecting on the words of Carey above, and the words of Jesus below. As I do I am asking myself, "Am I attempting great things for God or settling for status quo?"
Read the words of our Lord. What great thing do you need to attempt for God?
- And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." Mark 9:23 ESV (Click here to read the verse in its context)
- Jesus looked at them and said, "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27 ESV (Click here to read the verse in its context)
- And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Click here to read the verse in its context)
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[1] William Carey: Father of modern Protestant missions. 8/08/2008 in www.christianity.com. Accessed March 2, 2011.