March 22

Come Follow Me

“Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me” (Luke 18:22).

Scripture: Luke 18:18-30

Song: “Jesus Calls Us, O’er the Tumult”

Irish born Amy Carmichael (1867-1951) gained a heart for the needy early in life. This started through a childhood experience helping an old beggar woman. Her desire grew deeper by encountering a poor little girl looking through a restaurant window at Amy enjoying tea and biscuits. Amy joined her minister handing out tracts and food to the Shawlies. She eventually moved into their neighborhood and started a church.

Amy traded her desire to marry for desire to follow the Lord completely. Despite a health condition that caused pain and weakness Amy Carmichael went to India to tell people about Jesus. Many Indian families gave their unwanted daughters to pagan temples as servants and prostitutes. One girl who escaped went to Amy because of her witness and love. More girls followed. So Amy founded Dohnaver Fellowship to give these girls a new home. Eventually boys born to temple prostitutes were also welcomed.

At each encounter with people in need Amy chose to not hold onto what she had but instead opened her heart and hands to give herself for the sake of following Jesus.

God calls each of us to give up something to follow Him. What we give up and how we serve might be different, but the rich reward of following Him is always the same—treasure in Heaven.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to serve You. Help me to live in dedicated service throughout my days. In Christ’s name, amen.