Oswald Chambers reminded me, with words that always sink deep, that we must create habits, press onward beyond our fleshly temptations and start where we are living our lives in obedience to Christ, creating a life that is pleasing to the Lord. I can still fall back into the old routine of distracting myself with things of this world when I am down and out, bored, or (currently) sick. When Paul spoke of maturing, taking that which we have attained and going forth walking the walk, it wasn't a suck up and just try harder speech, but see all that the Lord has worked in you and take courage in this, go and do greater things through the strength of Christ, rise above the empty distractions of this world.
Yes, I've finally reached the point here where I am sick-I'm losing my stomach, thus tired and drinking a lot of water. Meanwhile, I've borrowed a couple of books to read! John Piper's, Desiring God and E. Elliot's, Through the Gates of Splendor. I'm basking in Elliot's story of her husband Jim and the other guys, abandoned fools for Christ's sake, ignitable unto the Lord by the flame of Christ's victory over our fallenness-a bunch of missionaries that were convinced that their entire lives were worth it for the sake of the cross, sharing this truth with the Auca Indians. So many know their story-praise God there are many other similar stories. I'm amazed. I'm interested. I'm brought to tears when I read the individual stories of how these men were led to Ecuador-taken from their talented, academic worlds and used by God to die for Christ's sake. Wow. God really means it when He says to take up the cross and follow after Him, leaving all behind. The more Christ reveals the power of this to me in my own life, the more I see it as inviting-I give my entirety for Christ's sake-I want to leave the silly notions I cling to-dreams-selfish wants-hopes for only Christ's work here on earth! I pray that I will continually abandon all and be ignitable.
Jim Elliot's storing is inspiring and widely quoted by Christians because its such a clear picture of the purpose of the Spirit here on earth-to bring all to HIm-to build His kingdom. Man's inventions-statuses-the many blessings we are given in life by God are still to be considered lost for the sake of Christ's will-glory. Why did Elizabeth marry Jim a few years before his death? Why did she have to endure the pain? What was God thinking, all those newly married couples with little ones left-widows. Not quite my dream situation-not so romantic-and yet Elizabeth has penned the testimony of Jim and others-the Lord used his murder to draw her nearer to Christ and be used to continue the ministry among the killer Indians. This reflects the theme of God on the cross for us. I long to consider my life not as a sacrifice for the Lord, but not even as my own to give-already abandoned to Him.
I want to close by saying that I have looked over my older blogs and seen a tone or attitude that displeases me-it amazes me how God daily changes our hearts-draws us to Him so that we look at what were were a few days ago and see the marks of His work. Ok, I'm itching to close with the widely popular Jim Elliot quote-so biblical-we need to remind ourselves the truth behind it everyday.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose" -J Elliot.
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