Through Gates of Splendor - Elisabeth Elliot

(Book Club book #3 - my pick)

This is the amazing and inspiring account of five young men and their families who lived in the jungles of Ecuador to reach those who had never heard the name of Jesus. They followed God’s leading, walking in obedience, with zeal for the LORD, love for the lost and ultimately into martyrdom… In Jim Elliot’s words “Well, if that’s the way God wants it to be,” (said calmly) “I’m ready to die for the salvation of the Aucas.” And as he had once written in college: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” (P. 173).

The courage and commitment these men and women had… the love and urgency for the unsaved to know Christ … Faith! To first of all leave all known comfort and society to go and embrace what was surely at times physical and emotional hardship… I can only help but think that if the Church (believers) would only walk so intimately with God setting Him first and the love for others above self what a different world this would be. Don’t get me wrong there are those out there living the abundant, fruitful life. However, there are those who instead of walking by faith and walking in love – living with our eyes set on what is eternal and lasting we are focused on the temporary, our own comfort – the here and now. Not to say that God is calling us to all go off to the jungle or to be martyrs but to each of us there is the life of purpose He has called us to and we should be living in obedience, joyfully to His glory.

I more that recommend reading this book… I ask you to let God speak to you through it… to touch your heart, to inspire you and to more than motivate you to (action) live a life focused beyond yourself, to full love poured out for His glory.