I'm currently reading the book My Heart in His Hands about the life of Ann Judson, wife of Adoniram Judson, the first missionaries sent out from America. I am completely amazed by the faith of this woman who was willing to leave all behind in order to follow Christ.
In the midst of the daily trials and tribulations of 19th century living in the foreign country of Burma and with little to no contact with other Americans, never mind English speakers, she faced the added burdens of health issues and the death of two children. In the midst of a seven month period, during which she did not know if her husband was dead or alive she wrote the following:
"I am trying to bear this state of uncertainty as a heavy affliction, a painful chastisement from my Heavenly Father, inflicted, no doubt for wise and gracious purposes. Perhaps it is only a prelude to greater afflictions. Perhaps this is the school in which I am to be taught the rudiments of suffering, and to prepare for those heavy trials, which without these first few lessons, crush as soon as afflicted. I feel however, a dreadful conflict ; sometimes inclined to complain of these dark dispensations of Providence, at others endeavoring to make this language my own: 'Though He slay me, yet I will trust in Him."
What a sweet reminder that in the midst of pain and hurt, God's "wise and gracious purposes" are at work!
