The Train He Missed

You might be familiar with a man named C.T. Studd… one of the most inspiring missionaries to have preached the Gospel in the modern era. But do you know how this man found and accepted Christ as his saviour..? I recently had a chance to read his personal testimony, and in it I found a story of a man, a missed train ride and lives transformed…

Walking down the streets of 19th century Dublin, a man was looking for ways to while his time on a Saturday evening. He should’ve been elsewhere, had he only been able to be on time for the train that was to take him there. The next train didn’t leave until Sunday, and wondering how he could keep himself entertained, he took a stroll around town.

Advertisement bills promoting Moody and Sankey who were on a visit from the US, caught his eye. “I will just go and hear those Americans,” he thought to himself… just eager to hear something different, perhaps. He went. The person speaking on the stage may have been merely a man, but through his words, God welcomed this man into His fold. End of story..? Not quite…

The new Christian came to London on the invitation of his friend. The said friend – Mr. Studd – after dinner let his guest choose the form of entertainment. The man suggested they go listen to Moody, but Studd complained that it wasn’t a Sunday. Still, he went. He too, embraced the Lord.

Like his friend, Studd could not keep the Good News to himself. He took his sons to hear Moody. But this time, God didn’t choose Moody to work His transformation. Being a man with means, Studd organized conventions at his estate where many would come to preach and to hear God’s Word. One man who happened to be at one such convention to share God’s message, initiated a conversation with Studd’s son Charles as he was heading out to play a game of cricket. And that conversation lead to Charles a.k.a. C.T. Studd, give his life to Jesus.

C.T. Studd would go on to share the Gospel with many around the world. And a little thing as a missed train – which at that moment, might have lead to much frustration – had a part to play in the Master’s plans.

Has a situation in your life made you feel like you’re standing on the platform watching the train you’d rather have been on… run away..? Consider this, the moment that might make you upset, frustrated, or even angry today, could turn out to be a blessing… not just for you, or those around you, but for hundreds and thousands more.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

---

The Personal Testimony of C.T. Studd can be found here.