I wasn't God's first choice for what I've done in China...I don't know who it was...it must have been a man...a well-educated man. I don't know what happened. Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn't willing...and God looked down...and saw Gladys Aylward...and God said, 'Well, she's willing.'
Interpretation
This quote highlights the idea that willingness and readiness can lead to unexpected opportunities in life.
Gladys Aylward's quote reflects her belief that she may not have been the ideal candidate for her work in China, yet her willingness to step forward made her the right choice. It suggests that sometimes, it is not about being the most qualified person, but rather having the readiness and heart to embrace a calling, which can lead to fulfilling one's purpose.
In practice
In a motivational speech about pursuing your dreams.
What an encouraging thought that Jesus - our beloved Husband - can find comfort in our lowly feeble gifts! Can this be, for it seems far too good to be true? May we then be willing to endure trials or even death itself if through these hardships we are assisted in bringing gladness to Immanuel's heart.
I partly know why I have not led a perfect life like other believers. But I avow to my Lord, and I do not lie, that from the time when I first knew him, the love of God and the fear of him has grown in me from my youth so that I have, by the power of God, always till now kept the faith.
God actually delights in exalting our inability. He intentionally puts his people in situations where they come face to face with their need for him.
The key to Christian living is a thirst and hunger for God. And one of the main reasons people do not understand or experience the sovereignty of grace and the way it works through the awakening of sovereign joy is that their hunger and thirst for God is so small.
Prayer crowns God with the honor and glory due to His name, and God crowns prayer with assurance and comfort. The most praying souls are the most assured souls.
What if others suffer shipwreck, yet none that sail with Jesus have ever been stranded yet.
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