Joyfully surrendering

When I saw this book’s title and author, I knew I needed to read it: “Joyful Surrender” by Elisabeth Elliot.

I’ve been in a season of learning to live (more) faithfully. For me, that’s looked like letting go, trusting God to be in the details, noticing needs and meeting them, serving those around me, and recognizing the value of where God has me right now. Obviously, it’s been a process of surrender to the control I naturally I want. It’s a lesson I have to work on over and over again because all my ESFJ, Enneagram 1w2 ways are quick to kick in.

Then I noticed the subtitle of the book: 7 Disciplines for the Believer’s Life.

I’m glad this book caught my eye because it’s a breath of fresh air in this do-it-all, be-all-you-can-be culture. It’s like sitting down with a kind, wise friend who is willing to tell you where she’s been and what she learned along the way. Elliot writes about discipline, freedom, obedience, and sovereignty in conversational tones that draw the reader in and point to Jesus.

“We are required to take the risk, move, trust God, make a beginning. This is what Jesus always asked of those who came to Him for help of any kind. Sometimes He asked them to state their case (“What do you want me to do?”), to affirm their desire (“Do you want to be healed?”), and often to do something positive (“Stretch out your hand.”) before He could do His work. There had to be evidence of faith, some kind of beginning on their part. The first baby step of faith is followed by a daily walk of obedience, and it is as we continue with Him in His Word that we are assured that we are, in fact, called and having nothing to fear.” – Elisabeth Elliot in “Joyful Surrender”

Living faithfully has shown me the glory in joyfully surrendering. But I have a lot to learn and I’m grateful for this guide – the author, her words, and our Creator – to teach me.

About the book

In our age of instant gratification and if-it-feels-good-do-it attitudes, self-discipline is hardly a popular notion. Yet it may be one of the most important lost virtues of our time. In “Joyful Surrender,” former missionary and beloved author Elisabeth Elliot offers her understanding of discipline and its value for people of all times. She shows readers how to discipline the mind, body, possessions, time, and feelings; overcome anxiety; change poor habits and attitudes; trust God in times of trial and hardship; and let Christ have control in all areas of life.

Elliot masterfully and gently takes readers through Scripture, personal stories, and observations of the world around her to help them discover the understanding that our fulfillment as human beings depends on our answer to God’s call to obedience.

There are 14 chapters, which read like encouragement written from a friend.

1. Created, Cared for, Called
2. Discipline: The Answer to God’s Call
3. How Do We Know We Are Called?
4. Under Orders
5. Grace, Book, Spirit – And One Thing More
6. A Sovereign God and a Man’s Choice
7. The Discipline of the Body
8. The Discipline of the Mind
9. The Discipline of Place
10. The Discipline of Time
11. The Discipline of Possessions
12. The Discipline of Work
13. The Discipline of Feelings
14. Exchange: My Life for His

This book was originally published in 1982 and again in 2006 under the title “Discipline,” but Revell Books recently published this repackaged edition, which is a 176-page paperback book.

About the author

Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015) was one of the most perceptive and popular Christian writers of the last century. The author of more than twenty books, Elliot offered guidance and encouragement to millions of readers worldwide.

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I got a free copy of this book to review from its publisher Revell Books. These opinions are my own. If you looking for other wise encouragement, I also really love reading through Elliot’s “Keep A Quiet Heart,” which is a compilation of devotional-type essays. https://amzn.to/2DhksHe