Customer Reviews

Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot (Hendrickson Classic Biographies)

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Few books have impacted me as much as this "life and testament of Jim Elliot" written by his wife, Elisabeth. This is the story of an earthly (though not worldly) man with a heavenly mind. Jim Elliot was a man of passion and a man of prayer. This book chronicles his journey from childhood in Oregon to college days at Wheaton to the mission field of Ecuador where he eventually gave his life at age 28. Full of journal excerpts and personal letters, one gets to know this great man's heart. His struggles, his ambitions, his loves, his dreams - and his all-consuming passion for Christ and His kingdom - gripped my heart as a teenager. This man became my hero. If you want to know the man behind the motto "he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose" this is the place to start. I highly recommend this book - especially to Christian teenagers who want to give 100% to Jesus Christ.

This is a must read for all Christians who have any desire to know Christ and to offer their lives to him. If not, this book will definitely challenge you to do so. Shadow of the Almighty mainly consists of letters and journal entries Jim wrote while at college and while preparing and serving on the mission field. It represents a great example, not of a perfect man, but of a man who wanted to live his life fully for Christ, no matter what the cost. The main message is that to know Christ is to obey him, and that Christ is worth laying down anything and everything. Thus, Jim's famous words: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim is an inspiration and example to me as I prepare to serve as a missionary in some of the most unreached places on earth.

Shadow of the Almighty is by far the best biography I have ever read!!! It has been said that "You will be the same today, except for the people you meet and the books you read", I have found this to be very true in my life.

I feel you can glean so many spiritual nuggets from this book. From raising kids, praying for them, allowing God to use them, the importance of eating healthy and exercising, the value of education and when education is taking the place of God and true knowledge of Him....

Reading this book, almost makes the movie End of the Spear seem shallow. Unless you know the history of these men's lives before they went into missions it is easy to be disillusioned and think that a group of over zealous guys decided to go and reach the savage Auca Indianans, which is not the case. It was an absolute calling of God on each of their lives that God had been preparing them for most of their lives (at least this is the case with Jim Elliot). Even Elizabeth Elliot, Jim's wife, had the calling on her life. They were spiritually, intellectually, and physically prepared. Yes, they were a group of young, good looking, and fun guys, but they also were spiritually mature beyond their years and they knew their calling.

Elizabeth Elliot began compiling journal entries and letters of Jim's immediately after his death to begin the writing of Shadow of the Almighty, while the hurt and sting of her lose was still fresh! You will not find regret, resentment, bitterness or anger in her writing; only a life devoted to God even unto death. So while the book focuses on the life of Jim, remember it was his newly young widowed wife who wrote the very words contained within its pages.

I guess what so impresses me about this book, is that it is more than the retelling of Jim's life. Throughout the book are original writings of Jim's, you see what makes his heart beat, his passion, his frustrations, his surrendered obedience, his incredible faith. You will see God's sovereignty, His hand, leading and weaving Jim's life and death.

The story begins with his childhood, and continues on up to his death. Really his story still carries on today. How many people has Jim's life impacted even now 50 years later? While in college ,Jim at one point lets His grades suffer a bit so that he can focus on earning the Degree of A.U.G. (Approved Under God). I am so impressed with chapter 3, here you will find a handsome, athletic, intelligent young man keep his focus on the Lord in an atmosphere that pulls most people away. At this point he doesn't even take his parents advice, if it is not what he is hearing from the Spirit. His obedience to Christ makes him a true leader among his classmates.
Following is a journal entry of Jim's, it show the wisdom and insight he had as a young man. "No one warns young people to follow Adam's example. He waited until God saw his need. Then God made Adam sleep, prepared for his mate, and brought her to him. We need more of this 'being asleep' in the will of God. Then we can receive what He brings us in His own time, if at all. Instead we are bloodhounds after a partner, considering everyone we see until our minds are so concerned with the sex problem that we can talk of nothing else when bull-session time comes around. It is true that a fellow cannot ignore women-but he can think of them as he ought-as sisters, not as sparring partners!"

This is my absolute favorite book of all time. In an age when I struggle to find like-minded people around me, Jim Elliot encourages and inspires my heart. In an introduction recently added to the book, Elisabeth Elliot says it all. She describes how HUNDREDS of young men over the years have come up to her at conferences or book signings and told her "that book changed my life." God answered Jim Elliot's prayer that he would be "A testament to the value of knowing God." It's so amazing to me to think how God could use this one man to reach so many people. Great book. If you are a young guy like me and wanting to live earnestly for Christ, you've got to read this book.

The story of Jim Eliot and his commrades is a must read for ministers and missionaries alike. It's a life changing perspective that describes the heart of this fine man. His commitment and service to God is chronicled in this fine work by his wife Elisabeth. Those who are intending to pursue a career in missions and or ministry must read this book. Just like basic training prepares our soldiers for battle, this book is a documentary of basic training for missionaries who wish to serve in the Army of God.

Reading about the life of Jim Elliot in 'Shadow of the Almighty' has challenged me like no other book ever has. His deep passion for the Gospel and seeking the Lord, even as a young man, amazes me and convicts my heart. He refused to fall into the "norm" and closely tested every tradition that everyone else took for granted.

Jim was so earnest to have God's best that he willingly gave up any hope of continuing a relationship with Elisabeth. Instead of being sidetracked by courtship and marriage, his surrender to the will of God made him spirtiually stronger and paved the way for a Godly marriage.

Jim's vivid descriptions and powerful language in his letters and journals make this book a very enjoyable read.

At the age of 20, Jim wrote, "Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me."

Shadow of the Almighty tells the remarkable testimony of a Godly man. This book makes you want to read the Bible from cover to cover. Jim was a man who consulted God's will in all he did. The story ends with his death in the jungles of Equador by the Auca indians. This book is truely one of the great Christian classics of the twentieth century. You won't want to put it down.

Elisabeth Elliot has wonderfully written a book about how one's life is lived, DAILY, in full submission to God. The journals of the late Jim Elliot paint the picture of his intimate love relationship with his Lord and Saviour that will inspire all Christian men AND women. It shows how Scriptural truths are lived out in the daily grind of life. Again, this is a must-read.

Some books entertain, this book inspires change. The writing is intelligent, and thoughtful. The topic is incredible. This is the modern Christian life as real as it gets.

The insight, sensitivity, and nobleness of character found in these pages would be notable if they were found in the words of a novel. The fact that they also serve as a historical record and the loving tribute of a devoted widow make them profound. The challenge offered to the reader by the example and set by Jim Elliot further enhances this book to palce it among the very finest I have ever encountered.