The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you”…So Abram left, as the LORD had told him.
Genesis 12:1, 4
I am challenged by the commitment level of the great men and women of the faith whether it be the biblical examples of people such as Abraham who left everything to follow God or the more modern example of missionaries who willingly give their life for the sake of the gospel.
Fifty years ago this month, five missionaries followed God to the jungles on Ecuador. In trying to share Jesus with a violent tribe they were speared to death on a sandy beach. Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Ed McCulley, and Pete Fleming gave their life for the Gospel, leaving behind their wives and young children. The movie, End of the Spear, in theaters now, tells the story of their tragic deaths and then goes on to show the amazing events that followed. Not only did their story make it back to the states and begin a revival among young people, some of the widows and children returned to this tribe to share the message of forgiveness to those who killed their husbands and fathers. Many in the tribe became Christians, including the murderers. Today, millions have been and are being impacted by their lives of radical faith.
God is looking for those who will follow him no matter the cost. Most of us will never be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice like these five young men. But we are all called to live a life of faith and obedience to God. With great faith comes an amazing relationship with God. Listen to God’s voice today. Take Him at His Word. Live a life of radical faith and watch what God will do!
