Ignited by the Spirit

Studying the book of Hebrews, Jim Elliot was impressed with the comment about ministers who were “a flame of fire.” To him, this was a vivid picture of people who burned with passion for the Gospel.

Pondering his commitments, he asked himself, “Am I ignitable?” Realizing that “other things” could dampen his zeal, he prayed that God would “saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be aflame.”

With this dedication, he sensed God’s call to Ecuador. He was drawn to the Aucas, a tribe that had never heard the Gospel. Elliot knew reaching them would involve risk. On this day in 1949, he wrote in his journal: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

In January 1956, Elliot and four companions landed on an Ecuador beach. Their arrival triggered a violent reaction by warriors who killed all five missionaries.

But his life continued to have an impact. A magazine story inspired many to commit their lives to Christian service. Elliot’s wife, Elisabeth, wrote a book about Jim then later took her own journey to those same Auca Indians, leading many to accept Christ.

Jim’s story continues to inspire believers to dedicate their lives to serve God. Ask God to give you His perspective on your life. Focus on things that will last. Ask Him to ignite your spirit and give you zeal for the Gospel.