The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.
Interpretation
True fulfillment comes from inner strength and faith rather than external conditions.
Elisabeth Elliot's quote emphasizes that one's true source of strength and identity lies in their inner spiritual life and relationship with Christ, rather than in changing their external circumstances. This perspective shifts the focus from seeking fulfillment through external situations to cultivating a strong internal faith that provides peace and purpose in any situation.
In practice
In a speech about overcoming adversity, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of inner strength.
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, βlet 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.
The right to know is like the right to live. It is fundamental and unconditional in its assumption that knowledge, like life, is a desirable thing.
The man who is denied the opportunity of taking decisions of importance begins to regard as important the decisions he is allowed to take.
When you feel helpless, help someone.
The painful thing is that when we buy into disapproval, we are practicing disapproval. When we buy into harshness, we are practicing harshness. The more we do it, the stronger these qualities become. How sad it is that we become so expert at causing harm to ourselves and others. The trick then is to practice gentleness and letting go. We can learn to meet whatever arises with curiosity and not make it such a big deal.
Reading makes me feel I've accomplished something, learned something, become a better person. ... Reading is bliss.
I see what you mean. It must be a huge relief, and an easy way out, to think the devil is always outside of us. (β¦) we would stop looking for Sheitan outside and instead focus on ourselves. What we need is sincere self-examination. Not being on the watch for the faults of others.β (p. 257).
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