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Among Christian devotional works, My Utmost for His Highest stands head and shoulders above the rest, with more than 13 million copies sold. But most readers have no idea that Oswald Chambers's most famous work was not published until ten years after his death. The remarkable person behind its compilation and publication was his wife, Biddy. And her story of living her utmost for God's highest is one without parallel. Bestselling novelist Michelle Ule brings Biddy's story to life as she traces her upbringing in Victorian England to her experiences in a WWI YMCA camp in Egypt. Readers will marvel at this young woman's strength as she returns to post-war Britain a destitute widow with a toddler in tow. Refusing personal payment, Biddy proceeds to publish not just My Utmost for His Highest, but also 29 other books with her husband's name on the covers. All the while she raises a child alone, provides hospitality to a never-ending stream of visitors and missionaries, and nearly loses everything in the London Blitz during WWII. The inspiring story of a devoted woman ahead of her times will quickly become a favorite of those who love true stories of overcoming incredible odds, making a life out of nothing, and serving God's kingdom.… (more)
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Mrs. Oswald Chambers: The Woman behind the World's Bestselling Devotional by Michelle Ule, © 2017
My Review:
~* Finding God's Fingerprints in Everyday Life *~
God's grace in understanding His truth in our lives that our devotion to Him be enriched! This story of pursuing His
Responsibilities assigned as new YMCA secretary near Cairo, Egypt ~ an expedition to the Zuitoun camp brought soldiers under Oswald's spiritual care. Joined by his wife and daughter, and others, they were missionaries amid those far from home delivering what was needed truth and a respite to receive a touch of home ~ and gathered hope.
The YMCA camp became a haven from war as a welcome was given whether or not they listened to Oswald's lectures. An oasis of God's love in the desert.
This biography tells of their beginnings and continuance upon Oswald's death and burial in Eygpt.
As I read this account I think of Elisabeth Elliot and her daughter, Valerie, as they continued in the work the Lord presented before them. Both widows, with a daughter; Biddy's account:
Biddy believed God had reasons for giving her Kathleen to raise without a father. God also had provided a task: to put Oswald's teachings into writing for the spiritual benefit of others. She believed God would care for her and her child as she performed her ministry.
--Mrs. Oswald Chambers: The Woman behind the World's Bestselling Devotional, 154.
Seaming together Oswald Chambers' lectures along with adjoining memories, his wife, Biddy, compiled her handwritten and shorthand notes combining his varied talks to compose the widely-read devotional, My Utmost for His Highest. God's journey individually for readers has been experienced through reflection of these readings. This devotional has not gone out of printing since its inception.
She pieced together a crazy quilt of concepts into a beautiful work of practical spiritual warmth.
--Ibid., 230.
Oswald Chambers 1874-1917
Biddy Chambers 1884-1966
***Thank you to author Michelle Ule for this biographical account forming this book, and to Baker Books Bloggers for supplying a copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
This is a wonderful
This book tells of Biddy’s childhood, her change of purpose (she originally wanted to be a secretary to the Prime Minister), how she met Oswald, how they came to be married, their time on the mission field and in ministry together, his death and how she took the words she had transcribed from all of his speaking events and turned them into My Utmost for His Highest along with many other books.
Many of his books are still in publication. My Utmost for His Highest has never been out of publication since it’s original printing. It is fascinating to see how God worked through her to bless the entire world in book form. Her obedience to her call is quite humbling. She lived her entire life for her Savior.
The story of her life is one of loving servitude to a heavenly Father and her beloved husband and daughter. Her story shows how God orchestrated her purpose and provided for her throughout her life. This is certainly a faith building book. We certainly need to read more of these kinds of testimonies as Christians. It is truly inspiring!
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars rating.
This book was provided free of charge by the Baker Publishing Group… Baker Books Division. All they ask if for me to give an honest review of the book. I highly recommend this one to all who strive to follow Christ. It is such a beautiful story!
I have officially asked for a paper copy of My Utmost for His Highest for Christmas this year. I cannot wait to read through it again after reading how it came to be. You can now get the text in classic or updated for modern language version and it is available in many different languages. I hope you seek it out for your 2018 reading devotional!