Many people are familiar with the book My Utmost for His Highest a book that was penned by the Christian teacher Oswald Chambers. Chambers was born to Christian parents who trained him well, and after feeling called to the ministry, he founded a Bible college in London. While he wasn’t especially gifted in the area of writing, Chambers’ wife recorded all his teachings and developed them into instructional books later in his life. Feeling called to help in World War 1, Chambers suspended the Bible college’s activities and joined as a chaplain, sent to troops in Egypt.
While in Egypt he did his best to minister to Scottish and New Zealand troops stationed there. After suffering from stomach pains for three days and refusing to take a hospital bed from a soldier, Chambers died from a ruptured appendix at the age of 43.
Among his many published thoughts and teachings is a quote about God’s healing. Chambers dealt with many injured and suffering men during the war, as well as faced extreme trials himself. During one such trial he is quoted as saying, “Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace.” (Daily in the Word).
I’ve heard a lot of people talk about what they will do if God grants their desire and, to an extent, that’s fine. But, more important is, what will you do if you don’t get what you want? That’s the real test of your character. That is the evidence your faith. Don’t try to bargin with God. Obey the Lord regardless of the circumstances and trust Him regardless of the outcome–that alone can be called victorious living.
