Faith on Foot

“Here am I. Send me!” — Isaiah 6:8 

Gladys Aylward was not the obvious choice for missionary work. She had little education, no financial support, and was rejected by formal mission boards. But what she did have was a heart fully surrendered to God. She famously said, “I wasn’t God’s first choice. I don’t know who it was. I think He must have looked down and seen me… and said, ‘She’s willing.’” And God used that willingness to move mountains.

Determined to follow God’s call, Gladys worked as a maid, saved every penny, and bought a train ticket to China. Once there, she lived among the poor, cared for prisoners, and adopted orphaned children. During the war, she led nearly 100 orphans across treacherous mountains to safety—battling illness, hunger, and exhaustion. Her feet were literally hardened by sacrifice, but her heart remained tender with compassion.

This is what God asks of us: soft hearts and hard feet. A heart that is tender to His Word and the pain of others. Feet that are willing to go, endure, and serve—even when the path is rough. God doesn’t ask for perfection—only a heart that says, “Yes.” Like Isaiah, like Gladys, like so many unnamed servants of God throughout history, we are called to worship God and work for His kingdom. As N.T. Wright says, “The church exists primarily for two closely correlated purposes: to worship God and to work for His kingdom in the world.”

Where is God calling us to go today? Who is He asking us to serve? We may feel inadequate—but if we are willing, He will provide the strength.

Prayer

Lord, make us willing. Soften our hearts to Your call and the needs of others. Strengthen our feet to walk where You lead. Use our small offerings for Your great glory. Amen.