This content is from our March Coffee Date email. Each month we send out a round-up of some content we're loving––all the things we would share with you if we could sit down over coffee together. You can signup for these monthly emails at the bottom of this post!
The Faith of Others
When my faith starts to fizzle, I spark it back to life with the faith of others. One way I do this is reading Christian biographies. Recently, I read a book on Gladys Aylward, a missionary to China, and boy did it spark my faith in unexpected ways. I’d heard of Gladys Aylward but had never read her entire story. What I found in the pages of this book was more than a story of faithfulness and perseverance. I found yet another living and breathing example that God is good and His gospel is powerful.
Gladys left her home and family in her late twenties to head to China to tell people about Jesus. Her journey to China was anything but easy. At one point she became stuck in Russia, unable to leave and travel to her final destination. In a moment when she thought she might freeze to death she asked, “O God, is it worth it?” The next moment her soul knew the answer as this thought came to mind: “Be not afraid; remember I am the Lord.” This was only the beginning of her missionary journey.
Throughout her tenure in Yangcheng, she helped set up an inn, became a foot inspector (once foot binding became illegal in China), and helped deliver 100 orphans out of China during the war. Her story literally shines with the brilliance and comfort of God’s sovereignty. Her story almost seems unbelievable when reading it, and it reminded me that there really is nothing God can’t do.
A Life Lived for Christ
Gladys Aylward gave her entire life to the cause of Christ. She gave up every earthly comfort to share the eternal comfort that can only be found in Jesus. She went without food, loved the unlovable in prisons, cared for the orphan, and shared about Jesus with every soul she came in contact with. Her faith was not always strong, but God’s strength held her through any moment of weakness.
As I finished the book, I realized the riches of gaining Christ even if all else is lost. As Paul said, everything is loss (literally, rubbish) compared to knowing Christ. This realization led Gladys all the way to China where she gave up everything to gain Christ, who is more than we could ever imagine.
Am I Willing to Live for Christ?
I never want to get so comfortable here in this life that I am unwilling to give up everything for Jesus. He is worthy and He is worth it. I pray we would be women who share our faith without fear and give without hesitation because Christ has paid it all, and this is a message the entire world needs to hear. May we always remember, like Gladys was reminded when she was in Russia, “Be not afraid. Remember He is the Lord.” It is worth it, sister, to follow Jesus—always.
Following Jesus with you,
Gretchen Saffles (Founder of Well-Watered Women)
P.S. If you want to learn more about the life and faith of Gladys Aylward, I highly recommend this book, Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman.
We recently released the new Abide Notepad in the Well-Watered Co., and using it has been a simple joy in my life lately! The top of the notepad has a spot to write “first things first.” Instead of writing to-dos, I write down what God has called me to do (i.e. trust Him, surrender, praise, take my thoughts captive). This notepad has been a reminder to me to let God shape my days! –Gretchen
A friend who grew up overseas recently made me the most delicious Thai treat I’ve ever had: mango sticky rice. I first tasted this Thai dessert when I was in Singapore earlier this year visiting a friend, and I’ve had a craving for it since I got back. If you like coconut and mango, this delicious treat is sure to be a hit. I found this recipe to try in the instant pot so you can skip the step of having to soak the rice overnight. I just love getting to enjoy the creativity of other cultures and remembering how big our world really is. I hope you love it as much as I did! –Rachael
Earlier this month, my sister and I threw my mom a “Pancakes and Pajamas” birthday party! We had a make-your-own pancake station, bacon, fruit, donuts, and my personal favorite: this recipe for sausage grits cups. They were the perfect addition to the party and the leftovers have been great to-go breakfasts. To reheat quickly, I put mine in the microwave for 30 seconds on high—super easy! The only change I made to the recipe was that I added a lot more cheese, because who doesn’t prefer cheesy grits? 😉 –Sarah V
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