After a long day of shopping for gifts with my mommy, I got home and decided to brew a cup of tea and start reading a new book. I looked through my collection of Elisabeth Elliot books and I chose Through Gates of Splendor. Why did I pick this book? I have no idea, but I'm glad I did! I just finished reading the first chapter and I feel as the Lord has whispered in my ear and reminded me of The Mission and of His faithfulness/guidance.
The first chapter was titled, "I Dare Not Stay Home," it was based on Jim Elliot and Pete Fleming's calling to Ecuador.
Elisabeth Elliot writes, "Sure that he belonged to God by faith in His Son Jesus Christ, Jim was equally sure that the God who had redeemed him would also guide him. 'I am as sure of His direction as I am of His salvation,' he used to say."
"He (Jim) was given new assurance, and wrote to his parents of his intention to go to Ecuador. Understandably, they, with others who knew Jim well, wondered if perhaps his ministry might not be more effective in the United States, where so many know so little of the Bible's real message. He replied: "I dare not stay home while Quichuas perish. What if the well-filled church in the homeland needs stirring? They have the Scriptures, Moses, and the prophets, and a whole lot more. Their condemnation is written on their bank books and in the dust of their Bible covers."
"This problem of meeting a culture with truth from God is the most difficult kind of thing. One comes as a renovator, a conditioner of society, and society is in no mood to be conditioned. The fixedness of the human mind is the 'wall of Jericho' to Gospel preaching. God must shake, or there will be no shaking.
Jim wrote to Pete: "I would certainly be glad if God persuaded you to go with me, but if the Harvest-Chief does not move you, I hope you remain at home. To me, Ecuador is an avenue of obedience to the simple word of Christ. There is room for me there, and I am free to go. Of this I am sure. He will lead you too, and not let you miss your signs. The sound of "gentle stillness" after the thunder and wind have passed will be the ultimate word from God.
Pete once wrote to his fiancee: "I think a 'call' to the mission field is no different from any other means of guidance. A call is nothing more nor less than obedience to the will of God, as God presses it home to the soul by whatever means He chooses."
"Through God we shall do valiantly, and it is He who will tread down our adversaries." -Psalm 60:12
Reading about these two young men and their passion for God and His calling to the mission field has been such an encouragement to me. It amazes me how our God is the same back then, today, and forever! Jesus assured them of His will for their lives, and He does that same thing to me. His assurance and guidance is what I cling to. His Gospel and His promises. The Truth and The Mission. Being obedient to His calling. Dying to self and doing His will.
Abba, it is through You and through Your power that we fight the good fight, and strive towards finishing the race, we shall do this valiantly! With bravery. Help us to be bold for the sake of Your name. For the sake of the Gospel. Let the nations be glad. Let the nations hear the beautiful name that is Jesus and know Him. That we may proclaim repentance and remission of sins (Luke 24:47). That you would be glorified and magnified. Be worshiped, O LORD.
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