E-Connected Archive - June 2011
NOTHING TO COUNT
This article was written by one of our field members in East Africa. As part of the team there, James (aged 23) is working to share the gospel with Muslims who have yet to hear.
There are many sacrifices and hardships which come with sharing the gospel with those who’ve never heard; I wrestle with them every day here in East Africa. There are personal struggles, from terrible loneliness, doubts about my calling and purpose, and fear of failing. |
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Then there are the physical struggles, exhaustion and sickness with no way out and dust and heat for weeks on end! There are the language issues, the cultural barriers and the political uncertainty. Worst of all is the rejection - my father’s disappointment and my friends’ disapproval. Sometimes it seems crippling. But this is not so! In truth it is glorious! But the critical question is how can I overcome these hardships?
Let me share with you what I’ve been learning from Galatians 2:20.
“I have been crucified with Christ”
I counted the cost on the same day I trusted in Jesus and was crucified with Him.
“and I no longer live”
The cost was everything! I died - nothing remains of my rights and desires.
“Christ lives in me”
I am dead to the world and alive in Christ. My reward is in heaven, not on earth.
“The life I live in the body”
I do have a life to live for Christ, but the cost of living for Him was completely counted when I was crucified with Him.
“I live by faith in the Son of God”
It is no longer a question of ‘shall I count the cost?’ but instead a decision to ‘live up to what we have already attained’! (Phil 3).
This perspective on cost has been the source of my perseverance and my joy, even in my darkest hour. Not to consider what I might lose, as though I had not already yielded all to Christ. For I counted the cost and there is nothing more to count. Yes there are still costs, and yes, God has grace with me as I struggle through them. But may I ever remember that counting cost is not a choice to be considered, but a barrier to be overcome.
In His strength, may I face every cost, not with “shall I?” but “I shall!” Hallelujah!