Elisabeth Elliot, a renowned Christian author, missionary, and speaker, profoundly impacted countless lives with her unwavering faith and insightful teachings. Her life, marked by profound loss and unwavering devotion, offers a powerful testament to the importance of submitting to God's will, even amidst unimaginable suffering. This exploration delves into Elliot's perspective on submission, examining its meaning, challenges, and ultimate rewards. We’ll explore various facets of her beliefs, answering common questions surrounding this crucial aspect of her faith.
What did Elisabeth Elliot mean by submission to God's will?
For Elisabeth Elliot, submission to God's will wasn't passive resignation or blind obedience. It was an active, conscious choice to align her entire being—her thoughts, emotions, and actions—with God's revealed will as understood through Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It wasn't about suppressing her personality but rather surrendering her desires and ambitions to God's sovereign plan, trusting that His purposes are ultimately good, even when the path is painful. She viewed suffering not as an indication of God's displeasure, but as an opportunity for deeper intimacy with Him and a clearer understanding of His love.
How did Elisabeth Elliot's life exemplify submission to God's will?
Elliot's life serves as a powerful illustration of her beliefs. The tragic murder of her husband, Jim Elliot, during their missionary work in Ecuador, could have easily crushed her faith. Instead, she chose to trust in God's sovereignty, returning to the very place where he was martyred to continue their shared mission. This act of unwavering faith, in the face of unspeakable grief, demonstrates the transformative power of submitting one's will to God’s. Her subsequent writings, speaking engagements, and continued missionary work further exemplified this unwavering commitment. She embraced a life of service, recognizing God's hand in every circumstance, even the most devastating.
What are the challenges of submitting to God's will?
Submitting to God's will is not without its challenges. It often requires confronting our own desires, ambitions, and fears. It demands a willingness to relinquish control, trusting in a plan that may not always be immediately understandable. The path of submission can be arduous, involving suffering, disappointment, and the relinquishing of cherished dreams. Doubt, fear, and even anger are natural responses, but they do not negate the ultimate importance of surrendering to God's plan. Elliot herself wrestled with these emotions, demonstrating that submitting to God's will is not a passive, emotionless act, but a journey of faith that involves wrestling with God and allowing Him to reshape us.
How can we practically apply Elisabeth Elliot's teachings on submission?
Applying Elliot’s teachings requires intentional effort. It begins with cultivating a deep relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. This intimate connection fosters trust and allows us to discern God's leading in our lives. It involves seeking God's will through prayerful consideration, seeking wise counsel, and being open to His guidance. It also means actively choosing to obey God’s commands, even when they're difficult. Finally, it involves maintaining a posture of humility, acknowledging our limitations and recognizing God's sovereignty. It’s a continual process, a journey, not a destination.
What are the rewards of submitting to God's will?
While the path of submission may be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable. Elliot’s life reveals the deep peace and joy that come from trusting God's plan, even amidst suffering. Through submission, we find a profound sense of purpose and meaning in life, knowing that our lives are part of a larger, divine narrative. We experience a deeper intimacy with God, allowing Him to shape and mold us into the image of His Son. The ultimate reward is a life lived in accordance with God's design, bringing glory to Him and blessing to others.
In conclusion, Elisabeth Elliot's life and teachings offer a compelling model of submission to God’s will. Her unwavering faith in the face of adversity provides a powerful example for believers today. By embracing a life of surrender, we can experience the transformative power of God's love and discover a profound sense of peace, purpose, and joy.
