Sermon Illustrations

I read the story of a young woman who out of curiosity entered a little Presbyterian church one evening. She heard the gospel for the first time and was converted. Later she heard God’s call on her life to go to China as a missionary. She was the only daughter of a multi-millionaire. She was socially prominent and wealthy. But her parents were not Christians. When she told them of her decision to go to the mission field, they sneered at the very idea. They were sure they could quickly put a stop to her passing whim.

The girl was engaged to a successful businessman who was also not a Christian. When she approached him about surrendering his life to the Lord, he took a stand similar to her parents. Sometime later her parents gave a social function to which they invited their socially prominent, wealthy friends. The parents told these friends about their problem, and asked them to help change their daughter’s mind.

That evening the daughter listened in silence to the discouraging pleas of everyone at the party. She stood up, went to the piano, and began playing and singing: ‘Jesus, I my cross have taken. All to leave and follow Thee, Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be.’

Her fiancé was deeply touched by her commitment. He walked over to her and said, ‘I did not know Jesus Christ could mean that much to any person. If He means that to you, please pray that I can become His follower too.’ Her prayer was answered. They were married and both went to China where they labored for the Lord many years.

Note: Although I got this story from a reliable source, it was many years ago and I don’t remember the source.

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons