Reverend Oswald Chambers is one of my favorite devotional writers. Although his life was short-dying at 43-his legacy lives on through his many books, especially MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST.
 |
| Chambers in 1906 |
It may be easy to think someone of his stature experienced a life free of challenges. Not so for Rev. Chambers. He grew up in Scotland, tended sheep during his school years, came near to a nervous breakdown during a four-year battle with depression. The pastor and accomplished teacher persisted through it all. He was basically unknown except to a circle of friends, students, and soldiers until after his death due to his wife taking notes from his sermons and talks. She then compiled them into books. Without his vigilant and dedicated wife, his profound legacy would be lost to us. He nicknamed Gertrude his "Beloved Disciple" shortened to B.D. then Biddy. Thanks Biddy!!
When World War I broke out, he served as a YMCA Chaplain in Egypt to British troops. He died there in 1917 buried with military honors in the Cairo War Cemetery after he had an appendicitis attack. He refused to go early enough to the doctor saying, “The beds will be needed by men who will be wounded in the Third Battle for Gaza.”(This battle, one of many, pitted Gen Allenby and his troops against the Ottoman Empire.)
The depth of Chambers’ faith manifested in the middle of his challenges. Here’s one of his many excellent quotes: “God does not give us overcoming life. He gives us life as we overcome.”
I’m inspired by Oswald Chambers’ life as a role model for placing himself in God’s hands in adversity. Yes, his life was short but his legacy is long-lasting.
No comments:
Post a Comment