Although he's famous for his books, Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) never wrote a single line.
At age twenty-seven, he experienced a deepening of his faith; and four years later, he quit his teaching job to become an itinerant preacher. He shared God's truths in Great Britain, America, and Japan.
Then, at age forty-three, he died while serving as a chaplain to the British army in Egypt during WWI.
Everything Chambers taught would have been lost were it not for his wife who took meticulous notes whenever he spoke.
After Oswald's death, Biddy Chambers edited and published over thirty books, My Utmost for His Highest* being the most well-known.
Each of us has important kingdom work to do (Ephesians 2:10), and we'll be rewarded when we do it faithfully, whether anyone else knows about it or not (Colossians 3:23, Hebrews 6:10).
Few recognize the name of Biddy Chambers, but her act of love has blessed millions of people who've read Chambers' truth-filled devotions.
I encourage you to read Life Expectancy and Ephesians 2:10 and Dead People Have New Purposes. I think both devotions will encourage you.
Source for devotion: 50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren W. Wiersbe, Baker Books, 2009
This source states: "Oswald Chambers never actually wrote any of his books, although his name is on them. He spoke every word, but it was his wife, and later his daughter, who prepared the manuscripts and mothered each book through the presses." Other sources state that Chambers proofread "Baffled to Fight Better" before his death. Other sources state he may have authored or co-authored some little-known works earlier in his life. But for all intents and purposes, most of his devotions would have been lost were it not for Biddy.
Gail, thank you for reminding me of this amazing story, amazing WOMAN! Wow...only God knows the incredible impact on millions of lives Biddy's faithfulness and labor of love has had! It seems that everyone I know has been challenged, convicted, called and comforted by "My Utmost for HIs Highest" at some point....or many points! Well done, Biddy! And thank you, Gail!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Kim, and welcome back!
Deletewow! I did *not* know that, and when I read "Oswald Chambers WIFE wrote his books" on the Modest Mom link up, I *HAD* to check that out! wow. And if she hadn't, the lives his messages *continue* to change through Christ would never have been written! Amazing. That inspires me (as do *SO. MANY* of your short, sweet little devotionals. I almost **NEVER** come away from this blog un-edified!! I'm almost always encouraged, lifted up, or shown something! something doesn't have to be super long to pack a punch of truth or lift a weary heart!!!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail for this inspiring devotion about Biddy Chambers. I'm encouraged by it today as my husband is a pastor and I'm his right hand gal so to speak. He is media challenged and I help him get his sermons on the computer, and published online in audio so others can hear them. I enjoyed this, thank you. ~ Abby
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,
DeleteSounds like you and Biddy have something in common.
Many godly pastor's wives and other behind-the-scene people will get special honor in heaven for things no one saw them do here on earth.
What a joy it will be to hear Him say "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Gail : )
I really like your biblelovenotes feed on FB. I have been reading Oswald Chambers since 1990, almost a year after I came to Christ. I love My Utmost for His Highest very much. God is very amazing and He does amazing things through His children that truly love Him.
ReplyDelete