Brother Li has served in a church in North China for over 40 years. His journey of faith and ministry was initially guided by a group of elderly women who had preserved their beliefs through the Cultural Revolution. In his early days, he ministered in rural churches, experiencing hardships and carrying his own cross. Now in his sixties, he has developed a different understanding of the cross: it is measured through comparisons.
Li has preached in two economically developed cities. He admits that in terms of biblical knowledge, he is far inferior to the urban Christians whom he met. Nevertheless, he never refuses invitations to preach in cities. Like the apostle Paul, who said, "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified," Brother Li always shares the cross that he personally bears wherever he goes.
"Nowadays, it's hard to suffer even if you want to," he remarked, yet this is the response he receives.
At the beginning of his ministry, Li worried about the future, marriage, and raising children, to the point that he considered giving up. In ministry, he indeed encountered practical challenges such as finance and his children's education. During tough times, God always paved a way for him. A teacher once extended financial aid, resolving his crisis.
He was so occupied that he hardly had time to care for his children. The ministry co-workers' "office" was actually in a host family where they ate and lived together, and Brother Li was no exception. During school holidays, he would take his children to the "office" to take care of them.
Things worsened when Li's two farming oxen were stolen. For a farming household at the time, it was a devastating blow, as they could no longer plow their land. Despite this, he simply stated, "God will provide." When people heard of his misfortune, someone offered to buy an ox for him.
To those who believe that in modern times, suffering is hard to find, Li said that while they may enjoy good living conditions, hardships still exist beyond their comfort zones. That is where the cross is: it is not just about material struggles, but also includes difficulties in daily life, such as broken family relationships.
He clarified, "I am not saying you shouldn't enjoy life, but you must always be prepared for the cross. The cross is measured through comparisons." For instance, a millionaire might be admired, but when compared to a billionaire, the millionaire might feel as though he is carrying a cross. Likewise, those who are far less privileged than a pastor may feel burdened if they visit the pastor's home.
"Something may be insignificant in your eyes, but it may be a cross to me. That's how the cross is measured."
He reiterated that the cross he refers to is what one finds painful and difficult, which is the burden that God has given.
Unexpectedly, those relatives and friends who once mocked Li are now living far inferior lives to his. They pretended that they cared about him, and they used to say, "You're just wandering around like that. How will your son get married? What about housing?" However, they were actually waiting to see him fail.
"You need not worry about it. The Lord will provide," Li responded with this simple yet firm statement.
Now, both of his sons are married with children. His entire extended family, including his grandchildren, are Christians. His sons not only have families but also homes of their own.
Li testifiesdthat all the material blessings he has received are the result of God's elevation and blessing, without which he would have lived a life of humiliation, his home would have remained impoverished, his sons would have struggled to find wives, and they would have never owned a house.
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited by Karen Luo, translated by Charlie Li
