" There is no creative ministry that can compare to the Spirit’s ministry of creating a people for God by his Word. Our truthful words are arrayed in corresponding and beautiful adorning acts of love and compassion as we suffer in various ways to advance the gospel (Matt. 5:16; Gal. 6:10). These light and momentary sufferings range from giving our time when it is inconvenient to giving our lives when the world deems they are not yet spent. So in view of God’s mercy, we present our body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship (Rom. 12:1). This is no haphazard, reckless thing to do, because of the bulwark of certainty we are promised in that God has claimed for himself people from every tribe and nation, and these sheep will hear his voice (John 10:16; Acts 18:10; Rev. 5:9). "
― Gloria Furman , The Pastor's Wife: Strengthened by Grace for a Life of Love