“I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” 2 Timothy 2:10

The apostle Paul endured a whole lot more than most of us have: imprisonment, death threats, shipwrecks, and more.

My family and I are trying to follow in Paul’s missionary footsteps in our calling to the unengaged. We have not suffered like Paul, but we do endure our share of trials.

Some hardships are obvious and familiar. Our summers are hot and we don’t have air conditioning. Government bureaucracy is ridiculously inefficient; every piece of paperwork gives us anxiety. The local selections of Chinese goods are cheap and break way too easily.

Other hardships are more painful. Our kids have struggled since coming back from our recent visit to the U.S.; they miss all the special friends and relatives they got to spend time with. Following Jesus as a family means that our children have forsaken some of the common enjoyments of life, like proximity to dearly loved people.

There have been recent joys, though, too. We watched our kids return from the U.S. and jump back into playing with their friends on the street. They got to be the much-clamored-for friends who were gone for months and who are now sought out to play with. This is one of God’s kindnesses to them in this transition.

Friendship with my local friend Jamal is another joy. He came by the first day we were back. The next day he returned with eight women from his household and just as many children in tow. The house was bustling, so Jamal and I retreated outside, catching up on our lives while cooking the food that the women had prepared. He brought me up to speed on all the neighborhood happenings that we had missed out on.

Jamal also told me that while we were in the U.S., the secret police came looking for me. They make routine visits to check up on foreigners. If they have serious concerns, they will come back. And if they come back, I am ready by the grace of God to “not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord … but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8).

We struggle, but our confidence in our calling has not wavered. “I endure everything for the sake of the elect” rings loudly in my ears. There are Muslim men and women in this country whom God is drawing into His Kingdom. We believe by faith that nothing can stop Him from calling them to salvation.

Until then, we know that the trials will never completely disappear, but neither will God’s grace. He gives us joy.

• Pray for Frontiers workers as they face hardships—and ask God to pour out His mercy on them every day.
• Ask God to give workers wisdom and confidence—and to grant them favor among local authorities.
• Pray for relationships with Muslim men and women who are eager to know more about Jesus Christ and His salvation.

**This account comes from a long-term worker. Names have been changed for security.**

Original article: www.frontiersusa.org/blog/article/unwavering-faith