A Persistent Witness

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) once said, “Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.”

One of my Bible college professors was fond of saying, “Perseverance comes with a price and with great reward.” A missionary friend told me the story of a young Nigerian who lived out that statement. 

The young man made a decision to follow Christ. He was excited about his new faith and returned to his village to share it — he was excited, the villagers were not. They became furious as he spoke about Christ. They severely beat him, dragged him to the side of the road, and left him to die. 

After regaining consciousness, he thought that he must not have been clear in explaining his new faith. So, the next day, he went back to the village to witness again. He was more severely beaten the second time, dragged to the side of the road, and, this time, left for dead. He remained unconscious for three days. 

When he awoke, he assumed he had not expressed his faith the right way. So, when he had gained enough strength, he returned to his village to witness for Christ. The villagers were astounded and many broke into tears. At that point, they listened to his testimony and, eventually, the Gospel gained a foothold in the village. 

We don’t know this kind of persecution when sharing our faith here in America, and yet, we often get weary in sharing the Good News. Don’t lose heart, dear friends. And remember, we share our faith in Christ with words, good deeds, and godly lifestyles.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1.12