I just read a book from my daughter’s homeschool curriculum, John Bunyan – The Tinker of Bedford, by William Deal, published by Christian Liberty Press.  Before reading the book, I did not know much about John Bunyan other than the fact that he was the author of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Reading the biographical book and researching a bit of information online about Bunyan was interesting and encouraging to me.  John Bunyan is one of many great examples of someone who served God faithfully through continuous hardship and persecution.  God remained faithful, providing for him and his family, even through seemingly impossible circumstances.

To me, Bunyan’s life is an encouragement to keep going with God and never quit, to keep trusting God through all the difficulties and discouraging circumstances in the world around us.  Bunyan is one of many mentors to us.  His journey through this world to “The Celestial City” was a very difficult and challenging one, but God took him through it.

Some hardships John Bunyan faced:

• His mother and two sisters died of the plague
• His 1st child, Mary, was blind and later died
• Hi 1st wife died
• He was tormented and attacked spiritually by doubts and fears
• He was jailed for 12 years of his adult life for preaching the gospel

Through God’s grace in his life, John Bunyan:

• Wrote Pilgrim’s Progress, the most published book other than the Bible.
• Was tremendously gifted as a speaker and writer, despite having little formal schooling.  Many people were saved because of his ministry.
• Would not compromise his faith in order to be released from jail – He would not promise to stop preaching.
• Trusted God even when things looked really hopeless.  God provided for his family’s survival while Bunyan was imprisoned.
• Overcame spiritual attacks by continuing to seek God.  He did not give up on pursuing and finding the truth of God’s word which eventually set him free.

John Bunyan is one of many great examples of God using someone considered ordinary and unimportant in the world’s view.  Bunyan trusted God, and God never failed him even through all the problems Bunyan faced.

God is faithful, and He will do the same for us today – no matter what circumstances we face.  Christian Kindred, we can trust our God to help us through this journey.

Remember, Jesus loves you and will not leave you to face any problem alone.