You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2

The wonderful thing about the Gospel is that there are still men and women sacrificing careers, families, and comfort to get the message out. It’s always been that way and probably always will be. These men and women (and families) face great opposition, as Paul noted, in order to share the Good News.

Just because you don’t see it happening where you live doesn’t mean it’s not happening at all. In fact, there are people nearby who are sacrificing for the Gospel and you wouldn’t know it. And It’s supposed to be that way.

Sure, there are missionary types like Paul, Adoniram Judson, or Hudson Taylor, but more subtle sacrifices are all around us:

• the mother who gave up her career to home school her children because she didn’t like what she was seeing in the public schools
• the up and coming businessman who gave up executive positions to pastor a church
• the church parishioners who go out on Friday nights feeding the homeless and sharing the gospel.
• the 80-year-old homebound grandmother who spends hours each day praying for her children, grandchildren, church, and political leaders

Don’t discount the sacrifices you’ve made for the Gospel as meaningless. Let God continue to use you right where you are.