Nearly 300 years after Thomas a Kempis died, a captain of a slave ship found a copy of Kempis’ book, Imitation of Christ, on board his vessel. For want of something to do during the long voyage, Captain John Newton began reading the book, and it had a profound effect on his life.

Following the voyage Newton became critically ill. When he recovered he gave his life to Christ and began a new career – as a minister. Through his testimony Newton won many men to Christ including William Wilberforce, a member of Britain’s House of Commons. Wilberforce was the man responsible for putting a bill through Parliament that outlawed slave traffic in the British domain.

When you are tempted to minimize your contribution to the cause of Christ, remember that the final results are not in. The testimony of your life and the witness of your words and actions will continue to bear fruit long after your lifetime.

“So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it” (Isaiah 55:11).