The Pilgrim Path---Hebrews 11:10 

"By faith he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."

Amy Carmichael (1867--1951)

Elisabeth Elliot, in her fine biography of Amy Carmichael (A Chance To Die), mentions that she often spoke of the "country whose forces move unseen among us." So often, I go back to this dear woman's writings---probably to be spurred on. Perhaps on occasion, I read her to be rid of laziness and self-pity. Maybe at times---to better learn how to trust the Living Christ and rest at His feet. She was a devoted servant of the Risen Savior...

Amy Carmichael was a Presbyterian from Ireland. She would give her life to missionary service. Most of those years---55 years---would be on the field in India. She would establish a Christian Community known as Dohnavur. Her focus would become the rescue of children in moral and/or physical danger. She never sought to be "known"---but she became quite well known for her devotion to Christ and her service for Him and others.

Here is a poem she wrote that I probably pull out---once or twice every 5--6 weeks to contemplate:

Love through me, Love of God,

There is no love in me;

O fire of love, light Thou the love

That burns perpetually.

Flow through me, Peace of God,

Calm river flow until

No wind can blow, no current stir

A ripple of self-will.

Shine through me, Joy of God,

Make me like Thy clear air

That Thou dost pour Thy colours through,

As though it were not there.

O blessed Love of God,

That all may taste and see

How good Thou art, once more I pray,

Love through me, even me.

There is a small booklet she produced entitled, "IF." She said it was for under-shepherds. She wrote it in a night---after some words about a fellow worker and perceived problems. I'll give you a few of these. She said these notes were about the, "way of Love in service for Jesus Christ."

IF I can easily discuss the shortcomings and the sins of any; if I can speak in a casual way even of a child's misdoings, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

IF I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

IF my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, "Just what I expected," if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

IF I have not the patience of my Savior with souls who grow slowly; if I know little of travail (a sharp and painful thing) till Christ be fully formed in them, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

IF I cannot in honest happiness take the second place (or the twentieth); if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

IF monotony tries me, and I cannot stand drudgery; if stupid people fret me and little ruffles set me on edge; if I make much of the trifles of life, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

Because of an injury she sustained, she probably spent well over 18 years confined to her room and bed. She would write and continue to help with the work as best she could. She was known as, "Amma" to the fellowship at Dohnavur. Like Spurgeon, she knew what pain was---a terrible companion. Yet, the LORD kept her in it---and through it. You get a glimpse in her work, "Rose From Brier."

Before the winds that blow do cease,

Teach me to dwell within Thy calm:

Before the pain has passed in peace,

Give me, my God, to sing a psalm.

Let me not lose the chance to prove

The fulness of enabling love.

O love of God, do this for me:

Maintain a constant victory.

"Our God trusts us to trust Him...Let us not disappoint God. Let us rise to this great trust." Amy Carmichael

"Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." Jude 24, 25

Pastor Jason