But Ruth replied, Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live I will live. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” Ruth 1:16–17 (NLT)

I happen to know a couple of young people who love the Lord and who also had feelings for each other.  During a Youth Conference she walked to the front of the auditorium to pledge her life to a missionary endeavour, committing herself, her energy, and her talents to the cause of God. What an honour. What courage!

Her boyfriend could not help but shed tears as he acknowledged that he had lost her to One who was far greater than he; his soul bowed before Him who is able to call unto Himself the unworthy and make of them great vessels unto honour. All he could say before His presence and His perfect will was “Hallelujah, honour forever be unto Thy Name.”

“God’s faithful people have always been aggressive missionaries, consecrating their resources to the honour of His name, and wisely using their talents in His service.” –Christian Service, p. 22

In this life, beloved brethren, after having been touched by the regenerative light of God, we are nothing, if not aggressive missionaries for the Master. All of heaven poured out upon the cross of Calvary for the salvation of the human race is a debt which will never even begin to be repaid by our efforts; yet, it is a life devoted entirely to Christ in gratitude for His great sacrifice unto which we have been called. Nothing less than our very best will be acceptable to God, nor be sufficient to fit us for His future glory, prepared for His saints since the foundation of time.

Looking on with admiration at the life of this young sister, I contemplated the great future before her. At the school of Christ, she would learn every possible thing there was to know about true medical missionary work, something that would fill her heart with satisfaction and excitement. This couple spoke briefly afterwards, as he took the opportunity to congratulate her with all of his heart for the wonderful opportunity she had had the courage and faith to take. She didn’t need to say it, but she thanked him for being supportive of her decision and supportive of her. Indeed, “there is no better place to be than in the hands of God.”

“The Saviour will reflect upon these self-sacrificing women the light of His countenance, and this will give them a power that will exceed that of men. . . . Self and selfishness must be put out of sight.” –Christian Service, p. 27

I have always thought that women are closer to the divine character of God than are men. For in every woman inherently lies the ability and capacity to love so selflessly that one cannot help but make comparisons to the unconditional love of God. Men then, by nature, oftentimes so rough and unrefined, are consequently unfitted to do the work of compassion that a woman can do with ease. As we look to the great men of the world, we must wonder at the greatness of the woman at his side. How many men, having found the understanding support, the empathetic patience and compassion of a wonderful partner have gone on to conquer the many obstacles and challenges of this world? How many men today can face the unmerciful world with steely determination and unflinching courage because they have one at their side who serves as their inspiration and motivation? God has given us our equals, our counterparts in these wonderful creatures because together, in Christ, we can do a work that could not possibly be realized alone.

“If there were twenty women where now there is one, who would make this holy mission their cherished work, we should see many more converted to the truth. . . . God calls for earnest women workers, workers who are prudent, warm-hearted, tender, and true to principle.” –Christian Service, p. 28, 27

The Spirit of God makes the call to missionary work, desperately trying to make us see that God does not save us from ourselves so that we can continue living for our own pursuits and goals. He tries to lead us to have compassion for others living in miserable darkness, waiting for young people such as her to be aroused to our responsibilities for the souls perishing around us. “God gave you back your life so that you could serve Him!”

The Bible warns us that “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God” (Hebrews 10:31), for by doing so, by accepting the call of duty Christ places upon each individual soul that He has redeemed with His precious blood, we become part of the great conflict, not against flesh and blood; but “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. We engage in the conflict that reached its climax in the death of the Spotless Son of God, and will soon culminate in the destruction of the author of sin and its evils, Satan.

“Could Christians realize how many times the Lord has ordered their way, that the purposes of the enemy concerning them might not be accomplished. . . . Their faith would be stayed on God, and no trial would have power to move them. They would acknowledge Him as their wisdom and efficiency, and He would bring to pass that which He desires to work out through them.” –Christian Service, p. 260

There is no telling just how far God will ask us to go, just how far He will lead us. He promises nothing but His continual presence; and guarantees us nothing except that “peace. . . which passeth all [human] understanding” (Philippians 4:7). May the Lord bless you richly, steady your faith and prepare you to follow His leading, wherever it may take you, wherever He goes, is my wish and prayer in Christ’s Exalted Name, Amen.

Canadian Field Missionary Department