Scripture: “He put a new song in my mouth,    a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord  and put their trust in him” (Psalm 40:3 NIV).

In the 1880’s, northern India was well-known for the violence of its head-hunting tribes. Hundreds of missionaries from Britain, Australia, and the United States traveled to the area in an attempt to teach the people about Jesus. A Welsh missionary who had endured severe persecution finally saw his first converts in a particularly brutal village in the province of Assam.

Nokseng, one of the Garo natives, was so convinced of Bible truths by the missionary, he and his family converted to Christianity.   Called to renounce his faith by the village chief, Nokseng declared, “I have decided to follow Jesus.” His two children were killed and in response to threats to his wife, he continued, “Though no one join me, still I will follow.” His wife was killed, and he was executed while declaring, “The world behind me, the cross before me.”

Nokseng’s incredible display of faith led to the conversion of the chief and many others in the village. Wikipedia reports today that the major religion of the Garo people is Christianity!

Sadhu Sundar Singh, the Indian evangelist whose beautiful life of servitude brought many to Christ, put Nokseng’s last words into a song which eventually became a mainstay of Billy Graham’s crusades. Many thousands have given their lives to Jesus as they sang these words:

1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
   I have decided to follow Jesus;
   I have decided to follow Jesus;
   No turning back, no turning back.
2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
   The world behind me, the cross before me;
   The world behind me, the cross before me;
   No turning back, no turning back.
3. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
   Though none go with me, still I will follow;
   Though none go with me, still I will follow;
   No turning back, no turning back.
4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
   My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
   My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
   No turning back, no turning back.
5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
   Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
   Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
   No turning back, no turning back.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am inspired by such courage and dismayed that my own is so weak. Help me stand strong for You, no matter what. In Your precious name, Amen.