Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret (Moody Classics)

1. Hudson Taylor's unwavering faith in God's provision

"Depend upon it, God's work, done in God's way, will never lack God's supplies."

Radical dependence on God. Hudson Taylor founded the China Inland Mission (CIM) with a revolutionary approach to missions financing. He refused to make direct appeals for funds, instead relying solely on prayer and faith that God would provide. This principle was tested repeatedly throughout his life and ministry.

Miraculous provision. Time and again, Taylor witnessed God's faithfulness in supplying the mission's needs, often at the last moment. Once, when funds were depleted and a large remittance was due, Taylor received an unexpected gift of exactly the amount needed. These experiences strengthened his conviction that God would always provide for His work.

Examples of provision:

• Anonymous donations arriving at critical moments
• Supporters giving without being asked
• Resources appearing just as they were needed

2. The power of prayer in overcoming obstacles

"I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done."

Prayer as a foundation. Taylor placed immense emphasis on prayer, both personally and within the mission. He established regular prayer meetings and encouraged a culture of constant intercession among CIM members.

Overcoming impossibilities. Through persistent prayer, Taylor and his team saw seemingly insurmountable obstacles removed. Political barriers fell, financial needs were met, and hearts were changed. This reinforced Taylor's belief that nothing was impossible with God.

Key prayer victories:

• Opening of inland China to foreign missionaries
• Protection during times of political unrest
• Provision of workers and resources for expansion

3. Adapting to Chinese culture to spread the Gospel

"Christ is either Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all."

Cultural immersion. Taylor made the controversial decision to adopt Chinese dress and customs, believing it would help him connect more effectively with the people he sought to reach. This included wearing traditional clothing, growing a queue (long braid), and adapting to local ways of life.

Breaking barriers. By embracing Chinese culture, Taylor and his missionaries were able to penetrate deeper into Chinese society than previous Western missionaries. This approach, while initially criticized, proved highly effective in building relationships and sharing the Gospel.

Benefits of cultural adaptation:

• Reduced hostility and suspicion from locals
• Increased opportunities for meaningful interactions
• Greater acceptance of the Christian message

4. Perseverance through personal trials and tragedies

"It does not matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure lies -- whether it comes between you and God, or whether it presses you nearer His heart."

Facing loss and hardship. Throughout his life, Taylor endured numerous personal tragedies, including the death of children, his first wife, and close colleagues. He also battled chronic health issues and faced intense opposition to his work.

Deepening faith through trials. Rather than being defeated by these challenges, Taylor's faith was strengthened. He viewed trials as opportunities to draw closer to God and to demonstrate the reality of his faith to others.

Major trials faced by Taylor:

• Death of his daughter Gracie and first wife, Maria
• Serious health problems, including paralysis
• Criticism and misunderstanding from other missionaries and supporters

5. Pioneering inland China mission work

"If I had a thousand lives, I'd give them all for China."

Vision for the interior. Taylor was driven by a passion to reach the millions of Chinese who had never heard the Gospel. He focused on establishing mission stations in inland provinces that had previously been closed to foreigners.

Strategic approach. The CIM employed innovative strategies to penetrate inland China, including:

• Training and sending Chinese evangelists
• Establishing a network of inland mission stations
• Utilizing river systems for transportation and access

Lasting impact. Taylor's efforts laid the groundwork for a massive expansion of Christianity in China. By the time of his death, the CIM had over 800 missionaries working in all eighteen provinces of China.

6. The importance of spiritual renewal and rest in God

"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply."

Prioritizing intimacy with God. Despite the demands of his work, Taylor emphasized the need for personal spiritual renewal. He practiced and taught others the importance of regular times of prayer, Bible study, and rest in God's presence.

The "exchanged life" revelation. Taylor experienced a profound spiritual breakthrough when he discovered the secret of resting in Christ for strength and peace. This "exchanged life" principle became a cornerstone of his ministry and personal life.

Key elements of Taylor's spiritual practice:

• Daily quiet times for prayer and Bible reading
• Regular periods of retreat for deeper reflection
• Cultivating an attitude of constant dependence on God

7. Mobilizing and inspiring others for mission work

"There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done."

Casting vision. Taylor was gifted at inspiring others to join the work in China. He traveled extensively, speaking at churches and conferences to recruit missionaries and raise awareness of China's spiritual needs.

Training and equipping. The CIM developed innovative training programs to prepare missionaries for the challenges of inland China. This included language study, cultural adaptation, and spiritual formation.

Recruitment strategies:

• Publishing articles and books about China's needs
• Organizing prayer meetings for China
• Establishing support networks in home countries

8. Trusting God's timing and guidance in expansion

"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply."

Patient faith. Taylor learned to wait on God's timing for expansion, even when opportunities seemed ripe. He believed that rushing ahead without clear guidance could lead to failure.

Bold steps of faith. When Taylor sensed God's leading, he was willing to take enormous risks. This included launching appeals for large numbers of new missionaries, such as the "Cambridge Seven" and the "Hundred."

Examples of faith-filled expansion:

• Praying for 70 new workers in three years (and receiving them)
• Asking God for 100 new missionaries in one year (1887)
• Establishing work in all 18 provinces of China

9. Overcoming criticism and opposition through faith

"All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them."

Facing skepticism. Taylor's unconventional methods and ambitious goals often drew criticism from other missionaries and church leaders. He was accused of recklessness and putting lives at risk.

Responding with grace. Rather than becoming defensive, Taylor responded to criticism with patience and continued focus on his calling. He trusted God to vindicate his methods and vision.

Sources of opposition:

• Traditional mission agencies
• Some Chinese officials and locals
• Skeptical Western observers

10. The impact of Taylor's "exchanged life" spiritual breakthrough

"I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize the Lord is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine."

Personal transformation. Taylor experienced a profound spiritual revelation about resting in Christ, which he called the "exchanged life." This dramatically changed his approach to ministry and life.

Spreading the message. Taylor began teaching this principle to others, leading to a wave of spiritual renewal within the CIM and beyond. The concept of full surrender and constant abiding in Christ became a hallmark of the mission.

Key aspects of the "exchanged life":

• Complete dependence on Christ's strength, not one's own
• Resting in God's love and provision
• Experiencing peace and joy amidst difficulties

Last updated: August 11, 2024