Sold-Out Life
Posted by Kari on June 4, 2009
Though I’ve passed off the book Through Gates of Splendor to a friend of mine, I continue to make my way through the journals of Jim Elliot, one of the missionaries that the book is about. Imagine my surprise when I see the name of my hometown mentioned… good ol’ Huntington. Evidently Ed McCully (one of the other missionaries) and Jim spent some time in the very place I was born and raised. And somehow, seeing that town mentioned in his journal… reading his prayers for that city… brings an entirely different dimension of reality to what he is sharing.
Jim writes, “Bill and I were much exercised last night about Huntington… We had asked before that an assembly be started there, but now it seems there are several souls ripe for gathering.”
While living in the town, he prays, “I need wisdom here, Lord, and power. These people are weary of men. They have need of Thee. Let me see souls here brought to knowledge of Christ, as in Milwaukee. Give opportunity to preach. Build an assembly in Huntington.”
Jim didn’t stay long in Huntington. God placed a different burden on his heart – to take the Gospel into the jungles of Ecuador.
Where has God placed you? Do you have a passion to reach a particular people group? Do you connect really well with “outsiders”? Has God placed a country or city on your heart? Whatever His leading, follow it! And immerse your journey in prayer.
Jim writes, “Word came from Ed McCully today regarding his exercise before the Lord to quit school and begin looking for open doors for a sold-out life.” Let’s do more than simply look for that open door. Let’s walk right through it, living life completely sold out for Christ!
