Discouraged

“But God, who comforts the discouraged, comforted us by the arrival of Titus.”—2 Corinthians 7:6 NASB

Hudson Taylor left for China full of confidence. When only 16, he declared that Jesus was Lord of everything in his life. Driven by this dedication, he felt God’s call to be a medical missionary to China. In preparation, he committed to prayer. He wanted to be sure Jesus’ promises were true, specifically that he could ask anything in His name, and He would do it (John 14:13).

Preparing for the mission field, he sought to practice living by faith. But after arriving in China in 1854, Hudson became discouraged and lonely. He faced financial needs and was struggling to learn Chinese.

He wrote to the Chinese Evangelization Society in England, “Pray for me.” He felt “almost pressed beyond measure.” He clung to the Bible, finding God’s Word “increasingly precious.” If he did not feel God’s presence, “I do not know what I should do.”

Gradually, his circumstances changed. God’s promises proved true. He began journeying into the interior of China where he developed strategies that made him an effective soul winner.

In some ways, all of us face some kind of struggle. Even Paul struggled, admitting he battled discouragement and was grateful for the visit by Titus.

If you ever feel discouraged, don’t give up. Instead, seek God in prayer. Confess the promises in His Word. As God blesses you, seek to be a source of encouragement for others. Pray for them.

Reflection Question: How can you encourage yourself and others to keep spreading the Gospel?