Few people have ever heard of Lilias Trotter, but it didn't have to be that way. A young art student in 19th-century England, Trotter had great talent as a painter. The well-known artist and professor John Ruskin recognized it, took her under his tutelage, and saw her ability blossom over a short time. In a letter he stated that she was "the best of my pupils." She was to become the next Ruskin protege of renown.

But it was not to be. For Trotter, life could not be confined to art. She became interested in social work and began ministering to prostitutes. In 1887 she heard a missionary speaker from Algeria and responded to God's call to take the gospel to Africa.

She labored in Algeria for 40 years in a faithful ministry, where God gave her many opportunities to use her talent. She captured the country's beauty in the brilliant watercolors that adorned her books and letters.

Just as Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their livelihood as fishermen (Matthew 4:18-22), Lilias Trotter left her chance for worldly fame as an artist.

Is God calling you to a new kind of service? It might mean leaving something behind—but God will surely lead you to something far better.  —DCE  — David C. Egner