We prepare our children for so many things—school, friendships, handling money, resolving conflict, & more—but do we prepare them to suffer?

Do we teach them how they will suffer?

Jesus promised they will. A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.

Do we teach them how enduring suffering can make much of Christ?

Apparently, Nancy Hasseltine’s father did.

While preparing to take the gospel from America to India in 1811, Adoniram Judson met Nancy & fell in love. He wanted to marry her & two months later asked her father the following question:

I have now to ask, whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world; whether you can consent to her departure, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of a missionary life; whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean; to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death. Can you consent to all this, for the sake of him who left his heavenly home, and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of Zion, and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory? [Courtney Anderson, To the Golden Shore, page 83]

That must have been a surpising question!

Nonetheless, John Hasseltine give Adoniram permission.

More impressive that that, Nancy accepted Adoniram’s proposal, knowing all suffering for the cause of Christ is an immense privilege. She & Adoniram were married in February of 1812 & two weeks later left for India.

Nancy proclaimed Christ alongside Adoniram in India until her death in 1826 of small pox at the young age of 36.

I don’t know if she saw her parents again, but I do know her life counted for Christ.

I pray our kids follow her example. And pray we follow John Hasseltine’s example when suffering calls our children.