Three Days Left
June 25, 2012 
I am intrigued by the lives of courageous risk-takers. Especially, those God has used to bring about significant change in the world. William Wilberforce was one of those people. Although he was born into a wealthy family and became a member of the British Parliament at the age of twenty-one, he was not satisfied with his money or his prestige. Instead, Wilberforce worked for forty-six years (yes, that is 46) to abolish the African slave trade in Great Britain.
A lot can happen in forty-six years. One would think he would have given up. It’s not like there were no other accomplishments in his life. During his lifetime, Wilberforce began sixty-five social agencies, including those working for prison reform, the improvement of working conditions for chimney-sweeps and textile workers, restrictions on capital punishment, education to help alleviate poverty, the founding of the first animal welfare organization, and establishing the first national gallery of art (just to name a few). Quite a list of accomplishments. But he never gave up on his most passionate goal.
The Slavery Abolition Act was passed in 1833, just three days before he died.
Forty-six years.
Three days before he died.
Wilberforce’s life teaches us a very important leadership lesson. Persevere with what God has called you to do. Don’t grow weary and give up the fight. If something is worth giving your life to, it is also worth staying faithful to the end.
God isn’t finished with you yet. Even if you have just three days left.
Reader Comments (4)
Great post. Just yesterday I was thinking what an absolute failure I am in one area of my life...I just have to keep doing what I know to do, the right thing to do, even when I have no reinforcement or no evidence that it matters. I can imagine that Wilberforce also must have felt at times he didn't succeed. There won't be a momumental law passing near my death. I just hope for a "well done, good and faithful servant" from Jesus...
Funny, I had just been thinking about Williams Wilburforce, when I see your blog. He is someone I admire, someone who followed what he believed, someone who made a difference. I can only hope there is something in my life that has made a difference in the lives of others and that Jesus will tell me, "Well done!" Thanks for your life and reminding me of his.
Wow,what an endurance. I can imagine how many times the bill on abolition was thrown out of parliament. I can imagine how his friends looked and talked about him. I can imagine how his immediate family treated him. I can imagine how the slave owners and masters fought him. I can also imagine how he received the news three days before he died. O lord help me to hold on until You are done with me. Life with a purpose is a well lived life.
"Persevere with what God has called you to do. Don’t grow weary and give up the fight. If something is worth giving your life to, it is also worth staying faithful to the end."
Amen Brother! As with any battle, indeed anywork, it belongs to the Lord. I love hearing stories of God working through our dependence. 1st Samuel 17:47, David encourages us that indeed all battles, belong to the Lord.
Our dependence though, doesn't mean we don't step up. David later tells Solomon in 1st Chronicles 28:20 to "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished."
While the work is the Lord's, He calls us to join Him. His work will progress with us, or without us. The question is whether we are willing to step out, or live with knowing we missed out.