Resilient Discipleship

 

“Let us not become weary in doing good, 

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest

 if we do not give up.” 

Galatians 6:9

Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) heard God’s call to a life of service when she was still a teenager — a radical choice for a woman of her wealthy English background. Nursing in the 1800s was considered a lowly, even scandalous profession. Yet she pressed forward, breaking social expectations to follow God’s call. During the Crimean War, she entered military hospitals where death and disease reigned, and worked tirelessly to bring sanitation, order, and care to the soldiers. Mortality rates dropped dramatically. Even after the war, while battling chronic illness, she kept sowing seeds of reform through writing, training nurses, and influencing public health policy across Britain and India. Florence’s reach extended globally: she championed sanitary reform in India, advocating for clean water, proper drainage, and improved hospital conditions, saving countless lives across the subcontinent.

Florence’s life mirrors Paul’s words in Galatians 6:9. She did not simply endure hardship — she kept actively doing good, even when results came slowly or resistance was fierce. Like Paul, she bore the “marks” of sacrifice — misunderstanding, loneliness, exhaustion — but she refused to give up. Her perseverance reminds us that many of the seeds we sow may take years to bear fruit, and some may only be revealed in eternity. Faithfulness, not quick results, is the measure of true discipleship. This call is echoed in Jesus’ parable on stewardship in Luke 16, which summon us to spiritual seriousness, wise use of resources, and wholehearted devotion to God. Florence lived this out, stewarding her influence and resources for the sake of others.

This is a call to resilient discipleship for us today. Where are you tempted to stop praying, serving, or believing? Florence’s life encourages us to rise each day and keep sowing kindness, truth, and hope. Our calling is not just to survive difficulty but to partner with God in His redeeming work — trusting that, in His perfect timing, we will reap a harvest. “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5).

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the example of Florence Nightingale, who followed Your call with courage and perseverance. Strengthen us when we feel weary. Help us to keep sowing seeds of goodness and trust You for the harvest — whether we see it now or only in eternity. Make us resilient disciples who never give up, using every resource for Your glory with wholehearted devotion. Amen.