July 10

A Beautiful Example

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also (Romans 1:15, KJV).

Scripture: Romans 1:7-15

Song: “Encouraged by Thy Word”

After speaking in a church quite different from mine, I spied a matronly woman with an adamant glare, stalking straight toward the lectern. Towering over me, she bellowed forth a strange-sounding query: “Little lady, will you get ugly for God?” Since she appeared several times my size, and apparently sought an affirmative answer, I gave her one. It was her way of encouraging me to be a bolder witness for my Lord.

There are other kinds of encouragers! Perhaps somewhat less intimidating, another woman from American history boldly emerged from the ugliest of circumstances to become a beautiful example of faith. Sojourner Truth, born into slavery circa 1797, was auctioned at age 9, along with several sheep, to new owners who treated her cruelly. Yet she escaped slavery with an infant daughter and soon became a Christian. While never learning to read or write, she learned she could now communicate directly with her Creator.

Amidst every difficulty, Truth refused any sympathy due to her illiteracy. Instead, she used the strength God gave her—“as much as in me is”—to travel across New England holding prayer sessions and counseling hospitalized freed slaves. How uplifting to reflect on this courageous believer’s lifetime of serving God’s people in spite of adversity!

Precious Lord, please grant me wisdom to keep my eyes on You when I navigate troublesome seas and sojourn through the wilderness. Through Christ I pray. Amen.