General William Booth is most often recognized as the tireless founder of the Salvation Army, an organization that sought to spread the Gospel through meetings and community outreaches in years past. He worked many years to establish a network of Salvation Army meeting places across the country and did much to spread God’s love to the less fortunate. As he grew older, his eyesight began failing. One day doctors approached his son Bramwell and informed him that his father’s eyesight would not be regained and nothing more could be done. Tasked with informing his father of the sober news, Bramwell told William that there would be no recovery. Booth replied, “Do you mean that I am blind?” His son informed him, “I hear we must contemplate that.” William Booth thought then responded, “I shall never see your face again?” Bramwell choked back emotion as he replied, “No, probably not in this world.” Booth reflected on the news then replied with determination, “Bramwell, I have done what I could for God and for His people with my eyes. Now I shall do what I can for God without my eyes.”
Many people would have taken the loss of eyesight as an excuse to wave the white flag of surrender and end their service, yet William Booth was determined that even in illness or incapacity, he would serve God in whatever way possible. He was determined to serve.
It takes great determination to be a servant of God. Determining to serve God means the invitation of the devil’s attacks, temptations, and distractions. The devil doesn’t mind Christians who live for self and ignore God’s commands. Such Christians make no impact in the world. Yet when a child of God determines to serve God no matter what, trials are sure to come. Yet as David displays, the increased attacks are worth the blessings of serving God.
Second Samuel 8 shows that David established a name for himself throughout the land. He conquered enemies and took of their wealth. While this name could have been used for selfish desires, David remained humble, “Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued.” (2 Samuel 8:11)
I’m sure the devil tempted David to follow Saul’s path and establish a mighty name for himself apart from God, yet David knew that no matter what victories he saw, he was determined to serve God and give Him all the glory.
Have you determined to serve God today? Don’t be fooled. Serving God comes with trials and temptations. But as David says in Psalm 60:12, God promises to protect those who are faithfully serving Him, “Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.” Determine right now that no matter what comes in your life today, you will choose to serve God.
