A dear friend has loaned me a book by Elisabeth Elliot entitled 'BE STILL MY SOUL'. Elisabeth shares from a book her grandfather wrote 'WHEN DAYS SEEM DARK' and I am sharing these words with you....."Standing still, on some occasions, is the paramount duty of the follower of Christ. There are times when we must be merely onlookers , when the flesh and the brain refuse to work, hopes shrivel like autumn leaves and we simply do not know which way to turn. It may be just then that we shall learn for the first time how to stand still in perfect peace and quietness of soul, not idling away our time, not hopelessly limp and heedless of the outcome, but working on in such ways as may be given to us, observing with eager joy the way in which God will work it all out to a perfectly glorious ending."
"All our little fussiness and haste, all our strong anxiety and warping care are as futile as the tugging of a little child's hand at the great iron knob of a closed and barred gate through which the loving father does not care to have him go just then."
I am praying for and observing "with eager joy the way in which God will work it all out to a perfectly glorious ending." "Sit still, my daughter , until thou know how the matter will fall." Ruth 3:18 Thank-you Lord.
13 comments:
Your post really touched my heart today Kathy. Thank you.
E. Elliot is one of my favorite "go to" authors for deeper understanding of obedience. She has a heritage of faith which blooms in her words. Be still and know that I am God - we seem to forget the still part and claim we DO know. Thank you - my heart has been too bizzy.
the word verification just now is bings - oh what I'd give for some really good bing cherries today!
I am feeling a tad bit rough after a restless night. Your words this morning are perfect. It felt like hands lifting me up. And isn't it amazing how scripture wraps around us? Forever new, forever true.
Kathy, EE is one of the best and her writing and life are equally inspirational. Ponder this as well
"When I consider how my light is spent Ere half my days in this dark world are wide, And that one Talent which is death to hide Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account, lest He returning chide, "Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?" I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed, And post o'er land and ocean without rest; THEY ALSO SERVE WHO ONLY STAND AND WAIT." "
John Milton, On His Blindness
We all know that Elizabeth Elliot went through some hard stuff in her life. Certainly her words spring from difficult trials and aren't just empty platitudes but well worn. Glad your friend had something to share with you to spur you on.
Thanks for sharing this today. It was very touching, and so appropriate for all God's children. We go this way and that way trying to figure things out, when all we really need to do is to "be still" and know that He is God. I needed to hear this today and I know someone else that I will share it with. Thank you -
Isn't it ironic, that by now I should be fully aware that it isn't about me. And yet in the middle of MY situation, I behave and think as though it is! And I repeat that over and over. I think Paul said something about that.....
Kathy, when I say you are an inspiration, I mean that.
I need to write about my prior boss some time. She was also an inspiration in my life. Through one of of her worst trials I asked her (blindly) one day, "Wendy, just how do you do it?" She replied, with no surprise to me now, "The strength is not from me." Perfect. I will never forget those words.
Kathy, you need to visit my blog. I wrote about your lovely Wee Little Sheep that arrived at my home on Friday.
A very good reminder to us that sometimes it is important to just sit still and listen to what God is trying to tell us. I enjoyed this, Kathy. Happy Sunday to you. :)
Hi Kathy! I'm visiting from Annie's Goat Hill. LOVED the Navity Goats that you sent to Mary. Are they for sale?
You have such a lovely blog. I can't wait to read all your posts and will add you as a link on my blog, Casa Hice. Am signing up to follow you too.
You're a sweetheart!
Thank you for posting this - it touched my heart too!!
Doesn't the message of "being still and waiting" for God seem to be just for you? And for me? That is a great message.
In answer to your question on water rationing-no, we are not in an area that is rationing water. We are in an area with abundant ground water and we actually ship water to some surrounding counties. My husband and I have our own well, but it is just my own conscience that makes me conserve water. Good question!
Well, "be still" was the theme of my post yesterday! And, of all things, the message came through a toad! I loved your post! Look forward to more. - Sheep C
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