Currently reading:  Through the Gates of Splendor, by Elisabeth Elliot (The story of the life and ministry of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming, and Ed McCully and their martyrdom in attempting to reach the Auca Indians of Equador)

I was reading a few chapters today during the ISSMA Concert Band State Finals (yes, some of the band performances were better spent reading rather than listening to).  I was encouraged by some of the testimonies in the book by some of these men, and I wanted to share some of the things they wrote.

First, a spiritual illustration by Nate Saint:

"When life's flight is over, and we unload our cargo at the other end, the fellow who got rid of unnecessary weight will have the most valuable cargo to present to the Lord."

Sounds familiar, right?  Hebrews 12:1-2 came to my mind when I read this.

Next, a reflection on his own conversion experience from Roger Youderian:

"The happiest day of my life was the day I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior for the remission of my sins, duly repented for, and with God's help I hope and pray for the faith and strength to glorify our Father through my daily living as a witness and follower of Christ.  Searching the Scriptures is my greatest source of hope and inspiration, having yet to learn the full power of prayer.  I used to say, 'This is a great world.'  With this new faith, this feeling has increased a thousandfold and I fairly ache within from happiness and rejoicing in sharing God's manifold blessing which He gives to this world with Infinite mercy and grace."

Later on, Roger wrote to his mother:  

"Ever since I accepted Christ as my personal Savior last fall and wanted to follow Him and do the will of the Lord, I've felt the call to either missionary, social, or ministerial work after my release from the service.  Can't say now what the calling will be but I want to be a witness for Him and live following Him every second of my life."

All five of these men had great passion to live out their lives for Jesus Christ.  They knew what great lengths our Savior went to save us, and wanted to live their lives in complete surrender to Him.  Their lives testify to the life-giving Spirit that dwells within them.  Their lives echo what the apostle Paul said to the Ephesian elders:  "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24).

I want to live that kind of life.  There is nothing better than living in complete abandon to the Lord and allowing Him to fulfill His purposes through you.  I long for my will to be wholly conformed to His.  He is worth living for.  He is worth dying for.