September 18, 2026
— Lars Erik Högberg · Source: Lars Erik Högberg, En missionärs minnen (Stockholm: Svenska Missionsförbundets förlag, 1924), pp. 49–50, after his wife Eva's death from cholera at Tabriz, Persia, in 1892
Acts 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Reflecting on Högberg's life of toil amidst the winds and sands of Persia and the Western Regions, as well as Paul's confession of 'not accounting his life of any value,' we often easily limit our self-worth to immediate gains, losses, and security. However, our limited years pass in a flash, and worldly joys and sorrows will eventually fade. The supreme value of life lies not in what we keep for ourselves, but in whether we unreservedly integrate this fragile life into God's eternal Great Commission. When the gospel becomes the direction of our lives, the hardships of time are no longer a torment, but are transformed into badges of grace, granting us peace and fulfillment that transcend our circumstances in both ordinary and difficult ministry.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us eternal hope and the Great Commission. Forgive me for often worrying about gains and losses due to immediate suffering and toil, neglecting the grandeur of Your will. Lord, though my life is as fragile as dust, please use me and grant me the faithfulness and courage of Paul and the missionaries of old. Let me not account my life of any value, nor cherish immediate comfort, but run with faith the race set before me. May my hands become vessels of Your love, testifying to the gospel of Your grace in daily service, and living a life of eternal value. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!