February 20, 2006 5:24 PM
A Hindu convert to Christianity
I've been corresponding lately with a young woman who is curious about Christianity but not ready to commit her life to Christ. Something I was writing to her the other day reminded me of this story I have on file and I thought you might enjoy it.
The following parable of Sadhu Sundar Singh, a Hindu convert to Christianity, beautifully illustrates how God wants to use burdens and heavy pressures in our lives.Shortly after coming to Christ, Sadhu felt called to become a missionary to India. Late one afternoon Sadhu was traveling on foot through the Himalayas with a Buddhist monk. It was a bitter cold and the wind felt like a cold blade slicing into Sadhu's skin. Night was fast approaching when the monk warned Sadhu that they were in danger of freezing to death if they did not reach the monastery before darkness fell.
Just as they were traversing a narrow path above a steep precipice, they heard a cry of help. Down the cliff lay a man, fallen and badly hurt. The monk looked at Sadhu and said, "Do not stop. God has brought this man to his fate. He must work it out for himself." Then he quickly added while walking on, "Let us hurry on before we, too, perish."
But Sadhu replied, "God has sent me here to help my brother, I cannot abandon him."
The monk continued trudging off through the whirling snow, while the missionary clambered down the steep embankment. The man's leg was broken and he could not walk. So Sadhu took his blanket, made a sling of it, and tied the man on his back. Then, bending under his burden, he began a body-torturing climb. By the time he reached the narrow path again, he was drenched with perspiration.
Doggedly, he made his way on through the deepening snow. It was dark now and it was all he could do to follow the path. But he persevered, though faint with fatigue and overheated from exertion. Finally, he saw ahead the lights of the monastery.
Then, for the first time, Sadhu stumbled and nearly fell --- but not from weakness. He had stumbled over some object lying in the snow-covered road. Slowly he bent down on one knee and brushed the snow off the object. It was the body of the monk, frozen to death.
Years later a disciple of Sadhu's asked him, "What is life's most difficult task?"
Without hesitation, Sadhu replied:
"To have no burden to carry."
I had tucked this away in my files many years ago - long before the Internet. Just finished googling Sadhu Sundar Singh and found out he is a fascinating figure. Biography here. Website here.
Posted in Inspiration, Religion | Permalink
Comments
Oh my goodness--that is breathtaking. Thank you for sharing that.
Posted by: Shannon from Rocks in my Dryer | February 20, 2006 8:02 PM
thank you Barbara, what a powerful reminder. love to you and Maddy today, well, to all of you : )
Posted by: floorplan | February 21, 2006 5:38 AM
thank so much barbara! that was so what i needed. i planned on writing a blog soon about perseverance and burdens and this is just so exactly going along with it. i plan on linking it to you and also copying it over if that is okay. :)
we're in prayer for you and maddy and with everything swirling over at your house.
thank you for all you do to continue to reach out despite all you have going on at home too. :)
(((hugs)))
~kristy
Posted by: Kristy | February 21, 2006 1:32 PM
