Jim Elliot's Love

While I was at ACU, I worked as a graduate assistant in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry. A coworker of mine, Rachel, put me on the trail of a book entitled Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot. It is a deceptively simple book because it is just a compilation of Jim's journal entries with occasional narration by his wife, Elisabeth. But this book is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to understand how to live in, understand, and wait for GOD'S WILL.

It is first and foremost a missionary story and how Jim constantly seeks God's will for where he will be sent. But a close second is the LOVE STORY that unfolds between Jim and Elisabeth. If anyone out there is waiting and looking and hoping for love, you cannot help but take courage in Jim's love for Elisabeth. He patiently loves her as he discovers more of God's will for their partnership.

There is one quote that I simply must give you. Enjoy!
"Near full moon found Betty [this is what Jim calls her] and me in the open fields, under a sparse stand of eucalyptus after heavy rain. It was one of those 'asked-for' times, with her, depending on the weather, which God openly controlled for us. He seems so much 'for us' these days. I have not lost one nameable thing by putting her and our whole affair in the simplest way possible into His hands. There has been no careful planning, no worrying over details in the matter. I have simply recognized love in me, declared it to her, and to Him, and as frankly as I could told Him I wanted His way in it. There has been no leading thus far to engagement, but the symptoms of a beautiful courtship prevail--not, perhaps, a routine one, or a 'normal' one, but a good one, nevertheless, and withal, a deep sense that it is God-directed." (page 174)