September 22, 2026
— Emily Blatchley · Source: Letter to Hudson Taylor from London, c. 1872-73 (A. J. Broomhall, Hudson Taylor & China's Open Century, Book 5: Refiner's Fire, p. 365; quoted in the Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity)
1 Samuel 30:24 "Who would listen to you in this matter? The share of the one who went into battle is to be the same as the share of the one who stayed with the supplies; they shall share alike."
In her last years, though gravely ill, Emily Blatchley stayed in England, quietly handling the mission's correspondence, accounts and publications and caring for Hudson Taylor's children; indeed, David’s decree declared that those who guarded the supplies shared equally in the reward with those who fought on the front lines. We often fixate on the dazzling spotlight of the stage and the visible results of frontline work, while overlooking the spiritual value of humble service in the background. Whether God places us on a battlefield or at a quiet desk, though our roles differ, the grace we receive and God’s sovereignty remain the same. Faithfulness is not measured by the size of the stage, but by our obedience to where the Lord has placed us.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for assigning each person a unique place within Your kingdom. Grant me the spiritual vision to keep watch willingly—neither feeling inferior because my role is inconspicuous nor growing slack because my service seems ordinary. When I feel lonely or weary, remind me that Your eyes are watching over my faithfulness in the background. May I, like Emily Blatchley, find rest and remain faithful in the position You have appointed for me; may I guard my post by Your grace and give all glory to You. Amen!