In 1792, William Carey preached his famous sermon from Isaiah 54:2-3 and summed up its teaching in these two important statements: “Expect great things from God,” and “Attempt great things for God.” These words would not simply be a challenge to those who were gathered to be instructed from God’s Word that day, but a call to himself for active missionary service to the country of India! His friend and spiritual equal, Andrew Fuller had said, “There is a gold mine in India; but it seems as deep as the center of the earth; who will venture to explore it?” The gold mine of which Fuller spoke was not material riches, but ministry potential!
“I will go down,” responded William Carey, in words never to be forgotten, “but remember that you must hold the rope.”
“Holding the rope” for missionaries as they plunge themselves and their families into the worst of circumstances among the world’s most wicked citizens may seem a praise-less and thankless task to some. After all, metaphorically speaking, who sees your calloused hands aching, your back and arms cramping with weariness and your brow soaked with sweat as you hold fast that life-line of intercessory prayer? Your heavenly Father sees your commitment and hears your prayers!
Carey labored 40 years in India as a missionary and Bible translator. Undoubtedly one of the most vital lessons he learned during that time was the necessity to persevere in ministering the Gospel. Wouldn’t it be tragic if we did not learn the same lesson, but for the necessity to persevere in the ministry of prayer? I implore you—attempt great prayers to God; expect great answers from God! (Rom.8:32)
Persevering in Prayer!
Rodney Myers
GFF General Director