How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. --Psalm 31:19
Allen Gardiner was a faithful missionary and martyr during the 19th century. He joined the Naval College in England at a young age and accepted Christ during his career in the Navy. Soon after, Gardiner accepted God's call to take the Good News of Jesus to tribes in Africa and South America.
In 1850, Gardiner and six other men attempted to trek through southern Argentina in hopes of reaching the Yagan Indians. Despite the many physical difficulties and hardships he faced throughout his journey, he said, "While God gives me strength, failure will not daunt me."
However, in 1851 at the age of 57, Gardiner died tragically of disease and starvation while serving on Picton Island at the southern tip of South America. His body was later found along with his diary that contained accounts of hunger, thirst, wounds, and loneliness.
In his last journal entry, illustrated by shaken handwriting, he wrote: "I am not hungry or thirsty in spite of five days without eating. ...I am overwhelmed with a sense of the goodness of God."
In the apostle Paul's time of hardship, the Lord said to him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). When you are experiencing difficulties in this life, rest in God's goodness and rejoice in your trials, so that you may fully experience His power in your life.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Praise God for His goodness in both good and bad times. Thank Him for being sufficient in your weakness and in control of your circumstances.
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