In early 1812 Adoniram and Ann Judson left Salem, Massachusetts, to be missionaries in Burma (Myanmar). When they sailed, Ann was eight months pregnant. The woman she hired to help with delivery died just before they sailed, and the child was stillborn. The stress was enormous as they traveled constantly for the first eighteen months aboard several different ships. Finally on land, Ann wrote:

“I find it hard to live by faith…when the way is dark before me.  But if the way were plain and easy, where would be the room for confidence in God? Let me rejoice and be thankful that my Heavenly Father compels me to trust in Him, by removing those things on which we are naturally inclined to lean.”[1]

Difficulties continued. A second child died at the age of eight months. Nearly five years passed before they had their first convert.

At one point, Adoniram had to make a journey to Bangladesh. His return was delayed by months of storms that sent his ship to India instead of home to Burma.

“Ann told herself two things in her journal: first, this is how I feel; and second, this is what I believe.”[2] Ann was wise in acknowledging how she felt. However, acknowledging what she believed—that God would be faithful in impossible circumstances—gave her faith that carried her through the dark days.

2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” If you are facing seemingly impossible circumstances, first tell God exactly how you feel. Don’t hold back. Then tell him what you believe—that He will come through for you in the end. It’s His promise!

 

[1] James D. Knowles, Memoir of Ann H. Judson (Boston: Gould, Kendall and Lincoln, 1849), 100.

[2] Gail McDonald, A Step Farther and Higher Sisters, OR: Multnomah Books, a part of Questar Publishers, Inc., 1991), 131.