On this day in history in 1745, David Brainard decided to spend the whole day fasting and praying for spiritual power. He prayed over John 7. Then he began preaching repeatedly from John 7. That year was his most productive year in ministry.
Up until that point, he suffered many dangers, toils, and snares. He faced depression and despondency. He was tired, worn out, and dried up. There was little fruit in his missionary endeavors among the American Indians.
However, that January day in 1745 made all the difference. Many Indians came to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Even his translator, a drunk named Tattamy, surrendered his life to Jesus.
Just two years later, Brainard died at the age of 29 in the home of Jonathan Edwards. Brainard's life and story influenced many other missionaries, including Henry Martyn, William Carey, and Adoniram Judson. His testimony still influences and motivates missionaries all over the world.
One entry in his diary, which became a well-known Christian book in the early days of America, went like this: "Here I am, send me; send me to the ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called comfort on earth; send me even to death itself, if it be but in Thy service and to promote Thy kingdom." What a resolve! What a passion! What sweet surrender to the Lord!
Have you surrendered your life to Christ? Have you decided that you will follow Him and His commands regardless of the consequences? Will you follow Him even when it's not comfortable or popular to do so?
Read, meditate, and pray over John 7 today, and ask the Lord to use you right where you are to lead people to that life-giving water found only in Jesus Christ.
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