[Amy Carmichael's] great longing was to have a "single eye" for the glory of God. Whatever might blur the vision God had give her of His work, whatever could distract or deceive or tempt other to seek anything but the Lord Jesus Himself she tried to eliminate.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear focus on one's spiritual mission and purpose.
Elisabeth Elliot reflects on Amy Carmichael's dedication to serving God with unwavering focus. Carmichael's desire for a 'single eye' highlights her commitment to God's glory and her determination to eliminate distractions that may hinder others from seeking a true relationship with Jesus. This serves as an inspiration for individuals to prioritize their spiritual calling and remain steadfast in their faith amidst life's distractions.
In practice
In a sermon discussing the importance of faith, a speaker might quote this to emphasize a laser-like focus on spiritual goals.
We are not asked to SEE," said Amy. "Why need we when we KNOW?" We know--not the answer to the inevitable Why, but the incontestable fact that it is for the best. "It is an irreparable loss, but is it faith at all if it is 'hard to trust' when things are entirely bewildering?
Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between His will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer.
What sort of world might it have been if Eve had refused the servants offer and had said to him instead, “let me not be like God. Let me be what I was made to be - let me be a woman'?
Worship is not an experience. Worship is an act, and this takes discipline. We are to worship ''in spirit and in truth.'' Never mind about the feelings. We are to worship in spite of them.
Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands.
If your goal is purity of heart, be prepared to be thought very odd.
You never hear Jesus say in Pilate's judgement hall one word that would let you imagine that He was sorry that He had undertaken so costly a sacrifice for us. When His hands are pierced, when He is parched with fever, His tongue dried up like a shard of pottery, when His whole body is dissolved into the dust of death, you never hear a groan or a shriek that looks like Jesus is going back on His commitment.
If our lives are easy, and if all we ever attempt for God is what we know we can handle, how will we ever experience His omnipotence in our lives?
To pray is to change. This is a great grace. How good of God to provide a path whereby our lives can be taken over by love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and goodness and faithfulness and gentleness and self-control.
A man with God is always in the majority.
I believe in the literal rising of the body of Christ. It's the cornerstone of my Christian faith.
Even if the forces of darkness appear to prevail, those who believe in God know that evil and death do not have the final say.
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