Day 31: John Bunyan - “Our Lifeline”
“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.”
Introduction
John Bunyan was a prolific writer and preacher who grew up in the early 1600’s England. He met the Lord as a young adult and never looked back. Through every trial and suffering of his life, he never gave up when it came to sharing God’s Words. His sermons and writings became a major part of the spiritual walks for those alive during his time but also for those who would come after.
Our Lifeline
Shortly after receiving Christ, Bunyan began to share his testimony with those around him. Discovering that people responded very well to his preaching, he saw it as a gift from God. He used this gift to evangelize and strengthen those around him through his sermons and writings.
His influence and reach continued to grow until eventually he was noticed by the English royalty who ended up having him arrested for preaching without their permission. Even as he was kept in jail for twelve and a half years, Bunyan did not stop his pursuit of God and God’s calling for his life. Despite much suffering in prison, Bunyang continued to write and share his writings. He persevered when it mattered and clung to the calling and gifts God had placed in his life.
He was eventually freed from his imprisonment and continued to share the Gospel with those around him.
Reflection
The Christian life is not always easy but when we understand who we are living for, it helps contextualize our purpose in this life. And with that purpose, comes perseverance. Bunyan’s life shows the importance of persistence to the life of a Christian. How is God calling you in your own life? When things grow difficult, are you clinging onto that calling, clinging on to God? If not, let’s pray and ask God for a heart that leads us to persistence so we may remain in the Lord.