Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die,
it bringeth forth much fruit. John 12:24
For more than forty years, Amy Carmichael served as a missionary to the people of southern India. She is probably best known for her persistent efforts to rescue young children from the devilish Hindu temples where they were “married to the gods,” a deceptive expression that cloaked their truly horrible fate of child prostitution.
Continual opposition from the native people, from the colonial government, and even from fellow missionaries often left Amy frustrated and disillusioned. Other adversities included the extreme heat, bouts of various illnesses, the defection of converts, and a serious injury that left her an invalid for the last twenty years of her life. Ultimately, however, Amy learned to look at each difficulty as an opportunity to respond to life’s reverses in faith instead of despair—a chance to die to self.
When life’s problems assail us, do we complain, chafe, and pity ourselves? Can we see in each of our trials an opportunity to die to self? Though this is certainly not our natural response, it is a truth and a blessing discovered by many believers throughout history. But too often it eludes us today.
Our greatest opportunities for spiritual growth usually came in the form of trials. When Paul sought deliverance from the thorn in his flesh, our Lord told him, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). So it is today. Paul’s earlier declaration should inspire each of us: “If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities” (2 Corinthians 11:30).
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
~ Pete Lewis