“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”Philippians 1:6 ESV

William Carey (1761–1834) was an English Baptist missionary, translator, and social reformer, known as the “father of modern missions.” He served in India for 42 years until his death.

Every reformation that Dr. Carey brought to India came at a hefty price. One notable example was his effort to print Bibles. After many years of labor, pain, and suffering, they finally managed to print the Bible in the local language. Unfortunately, a blaze in the early morning destroyed the entire printing office, including ten translations of the Bible, massive polyglot dictionaries, grammars, and nearly all of the mission’s records.

This disaster did not stop William Carey, because God was involved in his calling. Nothing could stop the work of God through him—not poverty, not the loss of his children, not his mentally troubled wife, not natural disasters, not betrayal, not lack. In all of this, God enabled him to run his race with endurance.

No one and nothing could stop the good work God had started in him. God enabled him, provided for him, and sent more people to support the mission than ever before.

With God’s grace, William Carey translated the entire Bible into Bengali, Sanskrit, Marathi, Oriya, Hindi, and Assamese, and portions of it into 29 other languages and dialects. He founded Serampore College in 1818, the first degree-granting college in India, and established over 100 schools, including some of the first schools for girls. Carey also successfully campaigned against social evils, most notably the practice of sati (widow burning) and infanticide, both of which were outlawed during his lifetime.

This is a great reminder that God will not leave you to handle things on your own. You are in that family, in that job, in that church to finish a task assigned to you by Him. God will help you finish the good work He started in you. You will not be left abandoned. You are not alone in this. The grace of God, the finished work of His Son Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit will enable your hands and give you strength to perform and complete the purpose of God for your life.

Prayer:

Father, thank You that You never start what You do not intend to finish. Thank You for the good work You began in me. Give me endurance in trials, strength in weakness, and faith when I cannot see the way forward. By Your grace, enable me to complete the purpose You have assigned to my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.