Shadow of the Almighty Cover

"He is no fool who gives that which he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose."
-missionary martyr Jim Eliot

Week 5: Shadow of the Almighty response questions

7/12/07

Chapter 11: The Test of Free Time

From a journal entry on August 21, “I sense tonight that my desires to be great are likely to frustrate God’s intent for good to be done through me” (106).
How can we ensure that our ambitious desires do not rule us? How does having a desire to be great frustrate God’s will for us to do good works in His name?

Chapter 12: The Test of Service

A journal entry from February 11 states, “I see tonight that in spiritual work, if nowhere else, the character of the worker decides the quality of the work” (121).
At the end of the journal entry, Jim implies that in order to successfully do Kingdom work, we must have a strong moral character which stems from our belief in God. What do you think about Jim’s implication and how does this affect you personally?

From a journal entry on April 17, Jim describes a certain code which he follows in order to be properly guided by the Lord’s will, “3) Whenever the choice is between the doing of spiritual work, of whatever sort, and a secular job, again of whatever sort, the choice for me must be the former regardless of financial conditions” (126).
In deciding his future career and financial conditions, Jim clearly has a plan which has God as the priority. When we think of our future, do we put God above our desire to be financially secure?

Chapter 13: Impelled by These Voices

A June 2, 1950 diary entry, “Understanding the will of the Lord is believing Him, that He will – in all situations where I have obeyed – make that way His own way, effectual for eternity” (128).
Ephesians 5 and Romans 12 inspired Jim to want to be constantly in God’s will. Although he may come to a crisis where he sees no clear answer from God, Jim trusts that if he has been obedient to the Lord’s commands, he will continue on the right track. How do you think this faithful obedience helps Jim to make a crucial decision even when he sees no answer from God?