In the late 1800’s, the British Studd brothers were rising to fame due to their skill and success in the game of Cricket. After winning a game against the undefeated Australians, Charles Thomas Studd, otherwise known as C.T., was pronounced the best Cricketer in England. Having grown up in a wealthy family, the Studd brothers now enjoyed a care-free life of money and fame.

It was during this time that their father, Edward Studd, became a Christian and with his newly found faith came the desire to share the Gospel, especially with his family. Soon the Studd’s family mansion turned into a place for Bible Study and meetings with pastors and missionaries. The more Mr. Studd spoke of Christ, the more his sons tried to avoid all things having to do with Christianity. One day a visiting preacher confronted each of the Studd boys directly about their faith and as he quoted John 3:16 to them they each saw their need for Salvation.

C.T.’s life was changed as he began to question who he was really living for. His athletic career continued to soar until the day one of his brothers fell gravely ill. As C.T. came to realize that his success meant nothing in the end, he questioned, “What is all the fame and flattery worth … when a man comes to face eternity?” This realization caused him to rethink the direction of his life and C.T chose to leave the game of Cricket to become a missionary.

The news of this decision came as a shock to the country because leaving a life of fame and fortune for the uncertain life of a missionary made no sense. Nevertheless, just three years after his famous Cricket win, C.T. Studd was headed to China and later would continue on to India and then to Africa where he would take his last breath.

C.T. Studd thought he had everything until he met Christ and realized he actually had nothing. In a famous poem he wrote: Only one life ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Suggested Prayer: Dear God, far too long have I lived for my own glory thinking that everything I have accomplished has been through my own merit. I now realize that without you, I am nothing. Without you I have nothing, and anything that I have done without you has been in vain. Today, I give You my life to use for your purpose and for Your glory. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.    John 3:16.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.