Daily Devotion

“The obstacles and scarcity I faced in establishing a college in Naples specifically to train Chinese clergy far exceeded my expectations; even my closest friends thought it was a pipe dream. But in every moment of despair, I remembered the souls in China who thirsted for the truth. If this is God's will, no difficulty can prevent it from being fulfilled.”

Matteo Ripa · The Hardships of Founding the Sacred Family College

Scripture

1 Corinthians 9:16-17 For I have nothing to boast about in preaching the gospel, for I am compelled to do it. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I do it willingly, I have a reward; but if not willingly, I have been given a task.

Reflection

Paul viewed evangelism as a "commission that had to be fulfilled," while Ma Guoxian, amidst despair and resistance, transformed this commission into a concern for souls. Often, we are deterred by the scarcity of our circumstances and the skepticism of others because we treat ministry as "our own choice," rather than "God's commission." When the vision comes from God, difficulties are not the end, but a moment to demonstrate God's power. Today, am I also responding with a willing and joyful dedication to the mission already entrusted to me?