Some of the most influential people in the kingdom of God have served in near obscurity. Katharine “Katy” Barnwell is one of them. Few have heard her name outside Bible translation work, yet her contributions have touched countless hearts worldwide. She bravely traveled to regions facing civil war, improved how Scripture is translated, and modeled the kind of humble devotion that often goes unnoticed. From war zones to remote villages, her quiet faithfulness has changed lives. Her life shows that making a difference doesn’t depend on a headline-making reputation and that being unknown does not mean being unimportant.

Most people will never stand in stadiums like Billy Graham or run global ministries like Mother Teresa. But that does not mean their mission is any less significant. A mission field might look like raising a family, helping a neighbour, or showing kindness to a difficult coworker. These quiet acts of care can have a lasting impact. God does not require extraordinary talent—only a willing heart. Those who are prepared to lay down their lives, no matter how unseen their work may be, are the ones who carry His presence to the world.

Sacrifice has always been part of the Christian life. Jim Elliot, a missionary to Ecuador, gave his life to bring the gospel to an unreached tribe. His wife, Elisabeth, later returned to the same people and saw them come to Christ. Not every sacrifice is so dramatic, but every act of faithfulness matters. A similar spirit can be seen when a student chooses to bring a Bible to school despite ridicule. Matthew 5:10–12 reminds believers that anyone persecuted for doing right can expect a special blessing. Though the path is challenging, moments of grace often appear where they are least expected.

Isaiah 61 speaks of the Anointed One who heals the broken and sets captives free. Many claim these promises with excitement, but few recognize their full meaning. The passage is ultimately about Jesus, who declared it fulfilled in Luke 4. The anointing He carried was not just for miracles and preaching—it was for sacrifice. His mission was always leading to the cross. Even Peter struggled to understand why Jesus needed to suffer. Yet Jesus recognized that suffering preceded glory and that the cross was central to His mission. The pattern of the kingdom has never changed: suffering comes before glory. This is still a challenge for those who long to follow Him.

Before heading to the cross, Jesus prayed in Gethsemane—a place whose name means “oil press.” This setting serves as a picture of olives pressed to extract their oil. In the same way, He was pressed in spirit before His body was broken. This is the cost of true anointing. Many desire the power of God but are not prepared for the crushing that often comes with it. Anointing is not about collecting spiritual gifts; it is about being poured out for others. True ministry is found in surrender, whether that means stepping into an unfamiliar calling, forgiving an enemy, or serving without recognition.

Some will show dedication in war-torn regions, like Katy Barnwell did, risking life and safety for the sake of ministry. Others will live out sacrifice in less dramatic ways—offering consistent love to a difficult neighbor, choosing to show up despite family challenges. Every form of faithfulness, seen or unseen, follows the same pattern: the cross at the center. Jesus gave everything so that others could live, and anyone who follows Him is called to do the same.

Jesus was anointed to die, and now He reigns in glory. There is an invitation to follow. Are we ready to give up comfort or even personal dreams for the chance to share hope with others? A simple prayer of surrender can open the door to a deeper experience of God’s presence. The greatest anointing is found in letting go, trusting that what seems lost is never wasted in God’s hands. Anointing isn’t reserved for heroic miracles or famous achievements. The question remains: Who is willing to take up the cross? The kingdom is built not by those seeking status, but by those willing to be poured out so that others may know Him.