As I walked into the quaint yet peaceful cottage nestled amidst a picturesque countryside, a distinct sense of anticipation filled the air. I had been granted a rare opportunity to interview one of the most influential figures in modern Christian literature – Elisabeth Elliot. With an unwavering commitment to her faith and a remarkable journey of resilience and reliance on God, Elisabeth Elliot’s life has become a testament to the power of surrendering to a higher calling. As I prepared to step into her presence, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and awe, eagerly awaiting the chance to delve into the depths of her wisdom, recount her extraordinary experiences, and understand the profound impact she has had on countless lives around the world.
Elisabeth Elliot, born Elisabeth Howard, was a renowned American Christian author, speaker, and missionary. She is widely recognized for her unwavering faith and commitment to spreading the message of God’s love and grace. Throughout her extraordinary life, Elisabeth faced numerous challenges, loss, and heartache, yet she remained steadfast in her trust in God’s ultimate plan. Through her writings and powerful speaking engagements, she inspired countless individuals around the world to seek a deeper relationship with Christ and to live out their faith courageously. Elisabeth’s legacy as a woman of profound faith, resilience, and obedience continues to impact and touch lives even after her passing.
10 Thought-Provoking Questions with Elisabeth Elliot
1. Can you provide ten Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot quotes to our readers?
Passion and Purity quotes as follows:
a) “The only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.”
b) “The love of God is not too great to be true.”
c) “The will of God is not a mysterious labyrinth but a straight path.”
d) “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”
e) “If we hold tightly to anything given to us, unwilling to allow it to be used as the Giver means it to be used, we stunt the growth of the soul.”
f) “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.”
g) “We never realize at the time what God is putting us through— we go through it more or less misunderstandingly; then we come to a luminous place, and we understand.”
h) “Faith’s most severe tests come not when we see nothing, but when we see a stunning array of evidence that seems to prove our faith vain.”
i) “Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.”
j) “God’s guidance is only for the next step, the next breath. Guidance is always for the present, never for the future.”
Remember that these are quotes by Elisabeth Elliot from her book “Passion and Purity.”
2.What inspired you to write the book “Passion and Purity”?
I was inspired to write the book “Passion and Purity” out of a deep desire to share my own journey of navigating love, relationships, and faith with other individuals. Having experienced the loss of my first husband, Jim Elliot, who was a missionary and martyred for his faith, I grappled with questions about God’s will for my life and the role of human relationships within that plan.
Through my personal experiences and the challenges I faced, I came to understand the importance of surrendering my desires for love and romance to God, embracing His purpose for me with unwavering faith. I desired to encourage others to hold onto their passions and desires, yet approach them with purity and a trust in God’s perfect timing.
The desire to live a life wholly devoted to God, even within the realm of relationships and romantic love, became the foundation for “Passion and Purity.” This book serves as a guide, offering practical insights and lessons that I learned along the way, to help others navigate the complexities of love while drawing closer to the heart of God. It is my hope that “Passion and Purity” will inspire readers to pursue God’s will for their lives and honor Him in all aspects of their relationships.
3.The book discusses the topic of love, relationships, and purity. Can you share your insights on how young people can navigate the complexities of modern dating culture while maintaining their commitment to purity?
I would share the following insights with young people who are navigating the complexities of modern dating culture while striving to maintain their commitment to purity.
In today’s dating culture, maintaining purity can be challenging, but it is possible. Firstly, recognize that purity is not just about avoiding physical intimacy, but also encompasses our thoughts, emotions, and intentions. Remember that true love is not solely based on feelings, but on a commitment to selflessness and honoring God’s design for relationships.
Set clear boundaries that align with your commitment to purity and communicate them early on in any potential relationship. Be honest with yourself and your partner about your intentions, desires, and values. Seek accountability from trusted mentors or friends who share your commitment to purity.
Embrace the value of patience and trust in God’s timing. Cultivate a strong relationship with Him and seek His guidance in every decision. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and the strength to resist temptation.
Finally, remember that purity is not about perfection. It’s about continually surrendering to God’s grace and seeking forgiveness when we stumble. By keeping our focus on Him and His principles, we can navigate modern dating culture while maintaining our commitment to purity.
4.You emphasize the importance of surrendering our desires and plans to God’s will. Can you discuss the role of surrender in the pursuit of passion and purity and provide guidance on how to discern God’s will in matters of the heart?
Surrendering our desires and plans to God’s will is crucial in the pursuit of both passion and purity. Passion, when surrendered to God, becomes a channel for His purposes to be fulfilled in our lives. We must recognize that our desires and plans are often driven by our own limited understanding, whereas God’s will is perfect and aligned with His greater plan for our lives.
To discern God’s will in matters of the heart, we must begin by cultivating a relationship with Him through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking wise counsel. It is essential to surrender our desires and preconceived notions to God, asking Him to align our hearts with His.
As we surrender, we should also be willing to wait on God’s timing and trust that He knows what is best for us. This requires patience and faith, as we allow God to work in our lives and guide our steps.
In the pursuit of passion and purity, surrendering to God’s will means being willing to let go of anything that does not align with His plans for us. It involves submitting our relationships, dreams, and desires to Him, trusting that He will provide what is best for us. When we surrender in this way, we can experience the true joy and fulfillment that come from living in God’s will.
5.The book addresses the challenges of waiting and trusting God’s timing in relationships. Can you discuss the concept of patience and waiting on God and provide advice for those who are longing for a romantic relationship but haven’t found the right person yet?
Patience and waiting on God’s timing in relationships is a topic close to my heart. In my own experience, I’ve learned that waiting is not about passively sitting and doing nothing but rather actively trusting and seeking God’s guidance in every season of life. It is important to remember that God’s timing is perfect, even if it doesn’t align with our desires or expectations.
During times of longing for a romantic relationship, it is vital to first focus on cultivating a strong relationship with God. Use this season of singleness to grow closer to Him, deepen your faith, and develop your character. Remember that a romantic relationship cannot fulfill you entirely; only God can provide that level of completeness.
Additionally, seek wisdom and guidance from older, trustworthy believers who can offer guidance and encouragement. Engage in community, build strong friendships, and embrace opportunities to serve others selflessly. Ultimately, trust that God knows your desires and is always working for your good, even if it feels like nothing is happening.
Lastly, hold fast to the truth that God’s plans for your life are greater and more beautiful than anything you could imagine. Surrender your desires and dreams to Him, allowing His perfect timing to unfold. Trust that He knows what is best and that He will bring the right person into your life at the appointed time.
6.You touch on the topic of boundaries and setting clear standards in relationships. Can you discuss the importance of boundaries in maintaining purity and share practical tips for establishing healthy boundaries in dating and courtship?
Boundaries are crucial in maintaining purity and fostering healthy relationships. In dating and courtship, establishing clear standards helps protect our hearts, minds, and bodies from compromising situations. It is essential to prioritize personal values and determine what is acceptable and appropriate in a relationship.
Practical tips for setting healthy boundaries include communication and mutual agreement. Openly discuss expectations with your partner regarding physical intimacy, emotional vulnerability, and time spent together. Be willing to compromise and respect one another’s comfort levels. Avoid situations that may tempt you to compromise your values, and be honest with yourself and your partner about your boundaries.
It is also beneficial to seek accountability from trusted mentors or friends who can provide guidance and support. Surround yourself with individuals who share similar values and can encourage you in maintaining purity. Lastly, remember that boundaries are not meant to restrict, but to protect and cultivate a relationship based on trust, respect, and godly principles.
7.The book delves into the concept of self-discipline and self-control in the context of relationships. Can you discuss the role of self-discipline in pursuing passion and purity and provide insights on how to develop and strengthen these qualities?
Self-discipline and self-control play crucial roles in pursuing passion and purity in relationships. These qualities empower individuals to prioritize long-term values over short-term desires, fostering healthy and respectful interactions.
To develop self-discipline, it is essential to cultivate self-awareness and identify personal weaknesses and triggers. By understanding our vulnerabilities, we can create strategies to avoid compromising situations. Additionally, setting clear boundaries not only safeguards our purity but also communicates our values to others.
Strengthening self-control involves practicing delayed gratification and learning to say no to immediate impulses. This requires drawing strength from a higher purpose beyond self-gratification, such as honoring God or respecting oneself and others. Engaging in self-reflection, journaling, or seeking guidance from mentors also aids in self-control development.
Ultimately, self-discipline and self-control thrive on consistent habits and intentional choices. Building a strong support system, rooted in accountability and shared values, reinforces this discipline. Remember, self-discipline is not about suppressing passions but rather redirecting them towards the pursuit of purity, cultivating healthy relationships in the process.
8.You address the topic of forgiveness and healing from past mistakes or heartbreaks. Can you discuss the importance of forgiveness in the journey of passion and purity and provide guidance on how to let go of past hurts and move forward in a healthy way?
In the journey of passion and purity, forgiveness holds immense significance. It is essential to recognize that we are all imperfect human beings and bound to make mistakes. However, dwelling on our past mistakes or heartbreaks only hinders our growth and prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love.
Forgiveness allows us to let go of the pain and resentment that binds us to our past. It liberates our hearts and enables us to move forward in a healthy way. We must first understand that forgiveness does not condone the actions that caused us harm, but rather, it sets us free from the toxic emotions associated with those experiences.
To let go of past hurts, we must start by acknowledging our pain and allowing ourselves to feel it. This process may involve seeking counseling or confiding in trusted friends. It is then crucial to surrender our pain and hurt to God, inviting Him to heal our wounds. Lastly, we must consciously choose forgiveness, remembering the grace and forgiveness we have received from Christ. By practicing forgiveness, we open ourselves up to healthy relationships, learn from our past mistakes, and embrace a future full of hope and restoration.
9.The book explores the idea of embracing singleness as a season of purpose and growth. Can you discuss the significance of embracing singleness and share advice for those who may be struggling with feelings of loneliness or discontentment in their singlehood?
Embracing singleness as a season of purpose and growth is of significant importance in one’s journey of self-discovery and spiritual development. Being single allows individuals the opportunity to fully devote themselves to personal growth, pursuing their passions, and deepening their relationship with God. It is a unique time to cultivate independence, build a strong foundation, and prepare for future relationships.
For those struggling with feelings of loneliness or discontentment, I would encourage them to shift their perspective and focus on the opportunities and blessings that singleness affords. Rather than dwelling on what is lacking, it is crucial to find contentment in the present season by seeking out fulfilling activities, forming meaningful connections with friends and family, and engaging in self-care.
Additionally, I would recommend embracing community and serving others. By connecting with like-minded individuals and investing in others’ lives, one can find purpose and belonging. Engaging in volunteer work, pursuing hobbies, and fostering deep friendships create a fulfilling and vibrant singlehood experience.
Ultimately, it is important to remember that singleness is a valuable and purposeful season, and by embracing it wholeheartedly, individuals can experience personal growth, contentment, and find joy in their journey.
10. Can you recommend more books like Passion and Purity?
a) “The Sacred Search” by Gary Thomas: This book offers a fresh perspective on the topic of relationships, emphasizing the importance of seeking a partner who shares your faith and values.
b) “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” by Joshua Harris: Providing a counter-cultural approach, this book challenges readers to reevaluate societal norms in dating and focus on building a strong foundation for a future marriage.
c) “When God Writes Your Love Story” by Eric and Leslie Ludy: Drawing from their own love story, the authors encourage readers to surrender their romantic lives to God’s plan, trusting in Him to write a beautiful narrative.
d) “Boy Meets Girl” by Joshua Harris: Exploring the principles outlined in “I Kissed Dating Goodbye,” this book delves deeper into the complexities of romantic relationships, presenting a biblical perspective on courtship and engagement.
e) “Choosing Marriage: Why It Has to Start with We>Me” by Debra Fileta: With a focus on prioritizing marriage and cultivating a thriving relationship, this book addresses common challenges and misconceptions about marriage, offering practical wisdom for those seeking a life-long commitment.