Best Quotes From Elisabeth Elliot

Elisabeth Elliot was a renowned Christian author, speaker, and missionary, known for her powerful and inspirational words. Her deep faith and unwavering commitment to following God’s will have touched the hearts of millions around the world. Throughout her life, Elisabeth Elliot shared timeless wisdom and profound insights on topics such as love, faith, obedience, and surrender. Here are some of her best quotes that continue to inspire and challenge us today.

1. “God wants us to trust Him even when we don’t see His plan.” Elisabeth Elliot reminds us that faith is not about always understanding God’s plan, but rather trusting in His goodness and sovereignty, even in the midst of uncertainty and adversity.

2. “The will of God is not something you add to your life. It’s a course you choose. You either line yourself up with the Son of God or you capitulate to the principle which governs the rest of the world.” These words from Elisabeth Elliot emphasize the importance of surrendering our own will and aligning ourselves with God’s perfect plan, even if it goes against societal norms or personal desires.

3. “Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith.” This quote serves as a reminder to hold onto our faith, even in times of doubt or uncertainty. Elisabeth Elliot encourages us to trust that God is at work, even when we can’t see the evidence of His hand.

4. “God never withholds from His child that which His love and wisdom call good. God’s refusals are always merciful. His delays are always blessings.” Elisabeth Elliot assures us that God’s timing is perfect and His plans are always for our ultimate good. Even when it feels like God is saying “no” or delaying His answer, we can trust that He is working out His purposes in our lives.

5. “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.” These profound words remind us that true fulfillment and contentment come from our relationship with Christ, not from our external circumstances. Elisabeth Elliot challenges us to find our identity and satisfaction in Him alone.

Elisabeth Elliot’s words continue to resonate with people from all walks of life, reminding us of the power and beauty of a life fully surrendered to God. Her wisdom and insight serve as a timeless guide for those seeking to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with the Creator.

The Life and Legacy of Elisabeth Elliot

Elisabeth Elliot was a beloved Christian author, speaker, and missionary who dedicated her life to serving God and sharing the message of love and faith. Her story is one of remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and profound impact on countless lives.

Elliot’s journey began when she and her husband, Jim Elliot, felt called to missionary work among the indigenous peoples of Ecuador. In 1952, they embarked on a mission to reach the Huaorani tribe, a fierce and isolated group known for their hostility towards outsiders.

Tragically, Jim and his four companions were killed by the very people they sought to reach. Rather than succumbing to bitterness or despair, however, Elisabeth showed incredible resilience and determination. She chose to forgive those who had taken her husband’s life and continued the mission, living among the Huaorani people for several years.

During her time in Ecuador, Elisabeth became a mother and had the opportunity to share the love of Christ with the Huaorani women. Her commitment to living out her faith and spreading the gospel in the face of great adversity inspired many.

After returning to the United States, Elliot embarked on a new chapter of her life as a writer and speaker. She authored numerous books, including the well-known “Through Gates of Splendor,” which chronicled the events surrounding her husband’s death. Her writing was characterized by its honesty, vulnerability, and unwavering trust in God.

Throughout her ministry, Elisabeth Elliot emphasized the importance of surrendering one’s will to God and living according to His plan, no matter the circumstances. She encouraged others to embrace suffering and view it as an opportunity for growth and spiritual transformation.

Elisabeth Elliot’s legacy continues to touch lives around the world. Her words and teachings inspire individuals to live with integrity, courage, and unwavering faith. Her example of forgiveness and perseverance in the face of adversity serves as a powerful testimony to God’s grace and His ability to transform lives.

In conclusion, Elisabeth Elliot’s life was marked by her unyielding commitment to serving God and spreading His message of love and redemption. Her legacy as a writer, speaker, and missionary continues to impact generations, reminding us of the power of faith, forgiveness, and surrendering to God’s will.

Early Years and Calling to Missionary Work

Elisabeth Elliot, born on December 21, 1926, was an influential Christian author and speaker who dedicated her life to missionary work. She was raised in a Christian home in Pennsylvania, USA, and from a young age, she felt a strong calling to serve God’s mission.

When she was a teenager, Elisabeth Elliot attended Wheaton College in Illinois, where she studied classical Greek, a subject she excelled in. During her time at Wheaton, she developed a deep love for God and a desire to share His love with others.

After graduating from college, Elisabeth Elliot pursued further studies and earned a master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Columbia University. During her studies, she had the opportunity to learn about different cultures and religions, which further ignited her passion for missions.

Elisabeth Elliot’s calling to missionary work was influenced by the story of Jim Elliot, a missionary who was killed while trying to reach an unreached tribal group in Ecuador. Jim Elliot’s dedication to spreading the Gospel greatly impacted Elisabeth, and she felt a strong conviction to continue his work.

In 1953, Elisabeth Elliot and four other missionary women embarked on a journey to the indigenous tribe known as the Waorani in Ecuador. This was a dangerous and uncharted territory, as the tribe had a history of violence. Despite the risks, Elisabeth and her fellow missionaries were determined to bring the message of God’s love to the Waorani people.

Through her time as a missionary, Elisabeth Elliot faced many challenges and hardships. She had to learn the Waorani language and adapt to their way of life. She also experienced the tragic loss of her husband, Jim Elliot, who was one of the five men killed by the Waorani tribe.

Despite these difficulties, Elisabeth Elliot persevered in her mission work and continued to have a profound impact on the lives of the Waorani people and many others around the world. Her faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to God’s calling serve as an inspiration to Christians today.

Meeting and Marrying Jim Elliot

Elisabeth Elliot and Jim Elliot met during their college years at Wheaton College in Illinois. They were both dedicated Christians and felt a strong calling to serve as missionaries.

Jim was drawn to Elisabeth’s intellect and spiritual maturity, and he was impressed by her commitment to following God’s will. They began spending time together, discussing theology and their shared passion for spreading the Gospel.

As their friendship grew, so did their love for one another. They eventually entered into a romantic relationship and decided to pursue marriage. However, they understood the risks and challenges that awaited them as missionaries in Ecuador, where Jim planned to work with the Waorani tribe.

Before getting married, Jim and Elisabeth spent time seeking guidance and wisdom from their mentors and elders. They wanted to ensure they were making a wise decision and that their marriage would be centered on Christ.

On January 8, 1953, Jim and Elisabeth Elliot were married in Quito, Ecuador. They embarked on their mission together, fully committed to sharing the love of Jesus with the Waorani people.

Serving as Missionaries in Ecuador

Elisabeth Elliot and her husband Jim Elliot felt called by God to serve as missionaries in Ecuador. They were part of a team of missionaries who had a passion to bring the message of Christ to the indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest.

While serving in Ecuador, Elisabeth and Jim faced many challenges and dangers. They had to learn the language and adapt to the local culture, which was very different from what they were used to. They had to live in primitive conditions, facing constant hardships and even threats from hostile tribes in the area.

Despite the difficulties, Elisabeth and Jim remained steadfast in their mission. They believed that the gospel of Jesus Christ was worth all the sacrifices and risks they were taking. They were driven by their love for God and their desire to share His love with others.

One of Elisabeth Elliot’s famous quotes about their missionary work in Ecuador is, “The will of God is not something you add to your life. It’s a course you choose. You either line yourself up with the Son of God… or you capitulate to the principle which governs the rest of the world.” This quote reflects Elisabeth’s conviction that following God’s will requires complete surrender and dedication.

Another quote that highlights the challenges they faced in Ecuador is, “You can never lose what you have offered to Christ.” Elisabeth believed that even in the face of danger and sacrifice, giving everything to Christ is never a loss. It is a gain in eternal rewards and a deeper relationship with God.

Elisabeth Elliot’s time as a missionary in Ecuador was marked by courage, faith, and unwavering dedication to God’s call. Her quotes serve as a reminder of the importance of wholeheartedly serving God, no matter the challenges that come our way.

Trials and Tragedy: The death of Jim Elliot and his companions

However, their mission came to a tragic end when they were brutally speared to death by members of the very tribe they sought to reach. The news of their deaths shocked the world, but it also inspired countless others to follow in their footsteps and dedicate their lives to spreading the gospel.

Despite the heartbreak and loss, Elisabeth Elliot, Jim Elliot’s wife, demonstrated incredible strength and unwavering faith in the face of tragedy. She famously said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” This quote captures the essence of Jim Elliot’s life and the legacy he left behind.

In the aftermath of this devastating event, Elisabeth Elliot continued to live out the message of God’s love by staying in Ecuador and ministering to the Huaorani people. She forgave those who had taken her husband’s life and sought to bring healing and reconciliation to the tribe.

Elisabeth Elliot’s response to the trials and tragedy she faced serves as a powerful testimony to the redemptive power of God’s love and the strength that can be found in surrendering all to Him. Her courage, resilience, and faith continue to inspire generations of believers.

Elisabeth’s Return to the United States and New Beginnings

After spending several years as a missionary in Ecuador and experiencing the tragic loss of her husband, Jim Elliot, Elisabeth made the decision to return to the United States. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, filled with challenges and opportunities.

Upon her return, Elisabeth felt a deep sense of loss and grief, as she had left behind the place where she had dedicated her life to serving God. However, she also saw this as a chance to start afresh and continue her mission in a different context.

Elisabeth’s return to the United States opened up new doors for her to share her story and insights with a wider audience. Through her speaking engagements and writing, she was able to inspire and encourage countless individuals who were facing their own trials and hardships.

In this season of new beginnings, Elisabeth also found love again. She married Addison Leitch, a professor of theology, and together they embarked on a journey of ministry and partnership. Through their shared passion for serving God, they were able to impact many lives and make a difference in the world.

Elisabeth’s return to the United States was not without its challenges. She faced criticism and scrutiny from those who questioned her decision to remarry. However, she remained steadfast in her faith and continued to pursue her calling with unwavering determination.

Throughout her life, Elisabeth Elliot exemplified resilience, courage, and unwavering faith. Her return to the United States marked a new beginning filled with purpose and meaning, as she continued to impact countless lives and inspire others to live a life devoted to God.

Writing and Speaking Ministry

Elisabeth Elliot’s writing and speaking ministry was influential and inspiring to many people around the world. Through her books, articles, and public speaking engagements, she shared timeless wisdom and practical advice on topics such as faith, love, marriage, and family.

One of Elliot’s most famous quotes about her writing ministry is, “The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different kind of woman.” This quote illustrates Elliot’s belief that her writing and speaking were not solely based on her gender, but rather on her faith and devotion to Christ.

Elliot’s writing was characterized by her deep knowledge of Scripture and her ability to apply its principles to real-life situations. She had a gift for explaining complex theological concepts in a way that was accessible and relatable to readers. Her writing was also known for its honesty and vulnerability, as she often shared personal stories and struggles to illustrate her points.

In addition to her writing ministry, Elliot was a sought-after public speaker. She traveled extensively, speaking at conferences, churches, and other events. Her speaking style was straightforward and unapologetic, as she boldly proclaimed the truths of the Gospel.

Elliot’s writing and speaking ministry continues to impact people today. Her books, such as “Through Gates of Splendor” and “Passion and Purity,” are still widely read and cherished. Her words of wisdom and encouragement continue to inspire and challenge Christians to live fully for Christ.

Powerful Quotes and Inspiring Wisdom from Elisabeth Elliot

“The cross is the landmark, the stake planted in the ground, the sign of contradiction. If one does not take up that cross daily, one is not worthy of the name of Christian. That cross tells you who you are. It’s not what the world says you are. It’s not what you feel yourself to be. The cross tells you that God has seen you at the very worst. That’s who you are.”

“Waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty and to carry within oneself many unanswered questions.”

“In our own Christian lives, it is not obedience to rules that counts, but obedience to God. We are not bound by duty to our religion, but by gratitude to our Redeemer.”

“To be a follower of the Crucified means, sooner or later, a personal encounter with the cross. And the cross always entails loss.”

“The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”

“God never denies us our hearts’ desire except to give us something better.”

“God’s guidance is like a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It comes to those who are humble enough to admit that they need it and trust enough to follow it.”