Suffering And Persevering Through Weakness In Ministry (Gospel For Asia Report)

Do you ever feel weary in the midst of serving the Lord? Have you spent sleepless nights crying out to God to give you strength? Have you come to the end of yourself over and over again only to find that the next morning you have to face another day in the battle? Another day completely dependent on the Lord for His strength?

Gospel for Asia-supported national missionaries are no different. They become weary, discouraged and overwhelmed just like the rest of us. But we also share something else in common: We are all more than conquerors through Christ. Even in those bleakest moments of pain, sorrow, confusion and weariness, we can rest in the hope of God’s promises that He is ever with us, and He will not leave us.

On the topic of suffering and persevering through weakness in ministry, Munay’s story comes to mind. This dear sister in the Lord poured out her life to serve others with strength, vigor and joy. But tragedy struck. Life was not beautiful or clear. It was in moments of fogginess and tireless prayers that God brought glory and honor to His name. Here is her story:

When Cancer Tries to Take Over

Tears freely tumbled down Munay’s cheeks and spilled onto her already soaked pillow. Cancer raged inside her body even though Munay had underwent surgery and eight chemo injections. Now radiotherapy attacked her cancerous cells. Too sick to move, Munay lay on her bed. Thoughts raced in her head, moving her past the physical pain—her heart was breaking. She couldn’t die now, not yet. There was so much work yet to be done, and if she didn’t do it, who would?

This is Munay. She journeyed through many struggles. After five years of ministry she found out she had cancer.

Finding Victory Through Prayer

Munay never experienced an easy road of ministry. She was not an eloquent speaker which made it difficult for her to convey the message of hope she carried. The individuals she served were highly educated and thought little of Munay, especially as she stumbled through her words. The youths also threw stones at her house as an attempt to scare her off. But all of this did not cause Munay to give up. Munay was convinced she was called by God, and she was prepared to face all kinds of adversity on her knees.

It was an uphill climb, but the more difficult the situations Munay faced, the more she was willing to bow her head. As a result, the Lord in His mercy answered her prayers and blessed her ministry. The local people mocked her little prayer fellowship. They tried to discourage the believers with sarcastic remarks, but Munay encouraged them and fixed her eyes heavenward alongside them.

Cancer Threatens Missionary’s Service

After five years of serving in this community, Munay found out she had cancer. This devastated Munay, but not for herself. She cried out to the Lord day and night, asking God to spare her life.

“Lord, please heal me, as I have much work remaining to do,” Munay prayed through her sobs. “I must do the work.”

However, Munay was not deterred from loving and trusting Jesus. She believed God would heal her body. Her ministry didn’t stop either. Munay encouraged her brothers and sisters in God’s Word while on her sickbed, praying and longing to be with them daily.

After a time, the Lord answered Maunay’s faith-filled prayers and brought her healing. Munay came through her terminal illness as one tried through fire!

“When you are in good health, do as much as you can for the Lord. Do not take your life for granted,” Munay exhorted her brothers and sisters, managing to stand before them as her body grew stronger. “Let us not grow weary, but let us be zealous in serving the Lord. And may the Lord not [have to] put you in a position to make you realize how little you have done. We must do the work. If we do not do it, then who will? Make the most of the life that God has given us.”

God has called many vessels who are willing to give their whole lives so others may meet the Savior. Munay’s life is one among many committed men and women who hand the Lord their very lives for the love of Christ Jesus.

Overcoming Obstacles

Munay’s life gives testimony to God and His strength in weakness. Munay was not eloquent but she was willing, and this made her useful in the hands of the Lord. Though she underwent much opposition from the beginning of ministry she didn’t allow her circumstances to sway her resolve. She knew following Christ meant sacrifice , tears and sweat. And she overcame. She held on and clung to Christ in the darkest hours.

The next time you feel ready to throw in the towel of ministry, remember Munay and the many who have gone before us as they followed the Lamb. Indeed, we are more than conquerors.