Passion & Purity

I’m so excited! I’m reading “Passion & Purity” by Elizabeth Elliot. It’s about the waiting time between her and her husband Jim Elliot (this man’s life makes me want to be more on fire for God). It is so amazing and powerful so far. I think I highlighted the entire first 3 chapters. I’m such a romantic to read the story of how they stayed in God’s will and feel so in love with each other, is that so hard to achieve in this century? God I hope not, I pray that my husband makes some attempt to woo me old school style (letters, sonnets, verses from Songs of Solomon, etc). But what amazes me more is they wanted to please God. They struggled and fought their feelings because they wanted to please God and live a life He had for them. Who does that nowadays? Who says "Thy will be done even though I like him/her so much"? They didn't know their love for God and each other would be a testimony to help and encourage me and so many others. I realize when we go through; we go through so that others will be encouraged when they are also going through or to help some not have to.

Wow....

“One of the greatest blessings of heaven is the appreciation of heaven on earth. He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”- Jim Eliot

I have been moved to tears every time I read this quote. To think that he was young (only 4 years older than me) and was so on fire for God that his life didn’t matter. Could I die for Christ? You bet. If you would have asked me that a couple years back and I wouldn’t have answered so quickly; as I gotten older and walked away from a life changing experience with just my nerves rattled I learned everyday that Jesus is sweeter that the day before. To die for Christ is not dying at all; its living a life that could bring someone to Him and make you feel complete. You die so that another might live; isn’t that What God wanted? These missionaries who go to hostile countries to bring the word to the lost are doing the most amazing thing in the world. They are risking their lives so that others can live and walk in the light. I think we need to refocus; this life isn’t about making as much money as possible or “living life to the fullest”, it’s about living your life to the fullest that God has planned for you. How amazing is that? There are blessings, levels and shifts that God has planned for each of us but we need to let go of the concepts and ideas that the world fed us. We need to turn to God and tell Him we die to the things of the world and live for Him.