Ephesians 3:8 (NIV)
Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s
people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches
of Christ.
Gladys Aylward was born in London in 1904. She worked for
several years as a parlor maid, and then attended a revival meeting at which
the preacher spoke of dedicating one's life to the service of God. Gladys
responded to the message, and soon after became convinced that she was called
to preach the Gospel in China.
At the age of 26, she became a probationer at the China
Inland Mission Center in London, but was failed to pass the examinations. Then
she heard of a 73-year-old missionary, Mrs. Jeannie Lawson, who was looking for
a younger woman to carry on her work. Gladys wrote to Mrs. Lawson and was accepted
if she could get to China.
She did not have enough money for the ship fare, but did
have enough for the train fare, and so in October of 1930 she set out from
London with her passport, her Bible, her tickets, and two pounds nine pence, to
travel to China by the Trans-Siberian Railway, despite the fact that China and
the Soviet Union were engaged in an undeclared war.
Gladys Aylward, parlor maid from England, became one of
the most famous missionaries of the twentieth century, a woman that has been
called "the most noted single woman missionary in modem history." A
popular biography about her was made into a movie and she dined with Queen
Elizabeth and Prince Philip. But the most notable thing about Gladys was her
brokenness, her humility, and her willingness to be available to God.
She once said, "I wasn't God's first choice for what
I've done for China. There was somebody else ... I don't know who it was? God's
first choice. I don't know what happened. Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn't
willing ... And God looked down. . . and saw Gladys Aylward."
The Lord is not looking for ability, He is looking for
availability. He desires a humble heart that says: "Here I am Lord, send
me!" Today in prayer, thank Christ for His love for you and desire to
serve Him with a humble attitude.
Dear Lord, we pray that we would be willing when You call
us. Help us not make You go to Your second choice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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