Men who have risked (handed over) their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 15:26
Many years ago when my kids were little I picked up a book in the Christian books store titled, “A Chance to Die” ‘The life and legacy of Amy Carmichael’. For most sane human beings the title itself is enough to keep you browsing and look for a happier read. I don’t know too many of us who are just looking for a chance at death. Well, guess who bought the book? Yep I did. In this book I read about a woman who’s life was completely given over to God on the mission field in India.
It started with her childhood and then as she became a woman God’s calling in her life became so remarkably clear, she knew that her life was meant to be lived as a sacrifice to God. Sacrifice involving many “deaths to self”. Over the course of her life she came to many cross roads. Crossroads involving choices. Amy Carmichael simply and utterly could not live without the unquestionable assurance that her life was given over to God above all else.
Was it easy for her? No, she wrote very honestly in her journals of the struggles of her flesh and natural desires as a woman. But there was always one thing that kept her life laid at the altar of God. She kept her eyes on the Cross. It was there that she realized that no earthly sacrifice was so great but that Christ’s was greater still.
This woman has left for us a legacy of surrender. And with that surrender a life that knew a deep joy in fulfilling her purpose in Christ and fruitfulness for His glory.
“If the cross is only contrasted with earthly pleasures lost, it may seem hard and threatening. But when the cross is weighed in the balances with the glorious treasures to be had through it, even the cross seems sweet.”
Author: Walter J. Chantry- Source: The Shadow of the Cross