Saints & Martyrs: Part 2
I wanted to share one of my all-time favorite stories of “saint’s and martyrs” this month. My all-time favorite missionary was actually married to a man that is now a martyr. Her name is Elisabeth Elliot. She tends to be known as an author and speaker across most Christian communities.
The story of her first marriage is the most incredible. Elisabeth was a woman who wanted to do God’s will for her life. She desperately wanted to know that she was aligned with him and his call on her life. This led, later in life, to a book called Passion & Purity. It’s the letters between her and Jesus in years of singleness. Years she spent in singleness while knowing the man she would marry.
She was so committed to marrying the man AND following her calling that she did not marry him until the right place and the right time. That man was named Jim Elliot. There were years of letter writing and journal entries expressing her desire of marriage to God. The intimate details of their story are so incredible to read for yourself. There came a moment in time where God placed both her and Jim - in the exact same mission field - in another part of the world. In that moment, they knew marriage was God’s will for the two of them.
Jim didn’t stay faithful and did date other girls - but she remained faithful to what she knew God had spoken. This was the incredible part of her story. Jim’s testimony is what led to her fame in life. They were serving on the mission field and were reaching a native tribe. That tribe killed him and other missionaries. There is a famous movie and book called End of the Spear. This story portrays his sacrifice for a people group who didn’t know Jesus to come to find him.
Elisabeth’s initial story of fame was not their dating or marriage. Rather, it was what she did upon Jim’s death. She forgave the people who killed him and went to live among them with her children. This tribe came to truly know Jesus’ love through her. Several generations have now been inspired by Jim and Elisabeth’s true and sacrificial love. She did go on to marry several other men - who died before her. But, her legacy tends to be known among hers and Jim’s story.
If you have the time, I highly recommend both books and movies. They are worth it and we can truly be inspired by saints and martyrs who have gone before us. I also want to remind you that Elisabeth’s commitment to singleness and willingness to submit to God’s call on her life are inspiring. That was also her calling specifically. Every marriage and relationship, whether friends or romance, is an opportunity to showcase God’s love. Sacrificing your will and your desires for God’s, the spouse, the family member, or friend God has placed in front of you is an opportunity to showcase God’s love. So, this Valentine’s Day consider how you can sacrificially love the people God has placed closest to you.