Amy Carmichael

My daughter is reading this biography on Amy Carmichael by Elizabeth Elliot (A Chance To Die) and was very impressed by this godly missionary. While my girl was telling me about this missionary I remembered that I had this little book written by Amy Carmichael (If), which I thought may be good for her to read as well. As I leafed through that old book again, I was struck again of my own unholiness. And struck again by the glory of Christ and His great gift of salvation. Humbling indeed, but much needed as I struggle along with ministry in the Church. People want this and that in the church (they want to see "this" happen and "that" happen), yet people don't realize that God calls and uses people to do "those things," those ministries, in the church -- and these people do not lift a finger to help. It makes me wonder sometimes. Some drastic ideas have crossed my mind recently, but they may be needed. Oh well, need to pray more about it and seek wise counsel. All of this is humbling, so from a spiritual vantage point, all of these trials are good for my soul. No pain, no gain (Heb. 12:11). Here's a quote from Amy's book, If:

"If I have not the patience of my
Savior with souls who grow slowly;
if I know little of travail (a sharp
and painful thing) till Christ be
fully formed in them,
then I know nothing of Calvary love."

The well of Calvary love is deep. Let us all drink deeply of it every day...