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Secure in the Everlasting Arms 1st edition by Elliot, Elisabeth (2002) Hardcover
Because God s all-encompassing love has become the theme of her long life, Elisabeth Elliot chose to open her daily thirteen-year radio program, Gateway to Joy, with her signature line, "underneath are the everlasting arms." Now she has gathered into this new book many of her reflections, previously published only in The Elisabeth Elliot Newsletter. The author s thoughtful mini-essays are vintage Elisabeth Elliot, conveying the reader from her school years through expeditions to exotic foreign destinations, returning to her comfortable home in Massachusetts. Her perennial themes of contentment, joy in the midst of sorrow, and abiding daily faith reveal the heart of God the Father and a life well-lived.About the Author :Elisabeth Elliot, admired speaker and beloved author of dozens of books, including Keep a Quiet Heart and The Savage, My Kinsman, lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Lars Gren.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
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About the author
Elisabeth Elliot
171 books2,216 followersFrom the Author's Web Site: My parents were missionaries in Belgium where I was born. When I was a few months old, we came to the U.S. and lived in Germantown, not far from Philadelphia, where my father became an editor of the Sunday School Times. Some of my contemporaries may remember the publication which was used by hundreds of churches for their weekly unified Sunday School teaching materials.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 14, 2014
In Elisabeth Elliot's own words: "This book is a collection of glimpses into my own lifelong adventure of living the Christian life, combined with faith-sustaining snippets from some of my favorite fellow pilgrims."
I love this book, I use it as part of my devotional time, reading a chapter (they're fairly short) each day. I have read this book more times than I can count and I always learn something new.
One of my all-time favorite definitions of faith comes from this book:
"Faith is a decision.It is not a deduction from the facts around us. We would not look at the world of today and logically conclude that God loves us. It doesn't always look as though He does.Faith is not an instinct. It certainly is not a feeling - feelings don't help much when you're in the lion's den or hanging on a wooden Cross. Faith is not inferred from the happy way things always work. It is an act of the will, a choice, based on the Unbreakable Word of a God who cannot lie, and who showed us what love and obedience and sacrifice mean, in the person of Jesus Christ."
Highly recommend.
I love this book, I use it as part of my devotional time, reading a chapter (they're fairly short) each day. I have read this book more times than I can count and I always learn something new.
One of my all-time favorite definitions of faith comes from this book:
"Faith is a decision.It is not a deduction from the facts around us. We would not look at the world of today and logically conclude that God loves us. It doesn't always look as though He does.Faith is not an instinct. It certainly is not a feeling - feelings don't help much when you're in the lion's den or hanging on a wooden Cross. Faith is not inferred from the happy way things always work. It is an act of the will, a choice, based on the Unbreakable Word of a God who cannot lie, and who showed us what love and obedience and sacrifice mean, in the person of Jesus Christ."
Highly recommend.
January 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! Lots of little nuggets of wisdom throughout the whole book. The chapters were short yet thoughtful, which I appreciated. EE does not disappoint! ♥️
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Duet. 33:27
“George MacDonald always has a gentle understanding of our humanness and God's merciful lovingkindness. He writes, “Questions imply answers. If God has put the question in my heart, then He must hold the answer in His. I will seek them from Him. I will wait, but not until I have knocked. I will be patient, but not until I have asked. I will seek until I find. He has something for me. My prayers shall go up unto the God of my life"”
“Jesus said to them, "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything" John 16:22-23). The King James Version says, "You will ask me no question." May not the sight of Jesus Himself in His glory make all our questions seem redundant, if not simply foolish?”
“We have only this present moment. God does not usually give us previews of coming attractions. I can look back over many decades, remembering how worried I sometimes was, how bewildered at things God had permitted to happen, but now I see them all as a golden chain of mercies, gifts from a merciful Father who, like the father Jesus described, would never give his son a snake if he asked for a fish. What looks to us like a good thing might actually ruin us. How thankful I am for God's withholdings, for His unfailing faithfulness.”
“God knows not only what we need but when we need it.
When He withholds from us the one thing we feel sure would make us happy, it is well to remember His promise that He will meet all our needs "according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19). In other words, if we don't have it we don't need it-now. Perhaps He will give it next week, but that does not indicate indifference, for-getfulness, or poor timing. His time is always perfect.”
“Almighty God, give to Thy servant a meek and gentle spirit that may be slow to anger and easy to mercy and forgiveness. Give me a wise and constant heart, that I may never be moved to an intemperate anger for any injury that is done or offered. Lord, let me ever be courteous, and easy to be entreated; let me never fall into a peevish or contentious spirit, but follow peace with all men; offering forgiveness, inviting them by courtesies, ready to confess my own errors, apt to make amends, and desirous to be reconciled. Let no sickness or cross accident, no employment or weariness make me angry or ungentle and discontented, or unthankful, or uneasy to them that minister to me, but in all things make me like unto the holy Jesus. Amen.”
(Jeremy Taylor, 1613-1667)
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Duet. 33:27
“George MacDonald always has a gentle understanding of our humanness and God's merciful lovingkindness. He writes, “Questions imply answers. If God has put the question in my heart, then He must hold the answer in His. I will seek them from Him. I will wait, but not until I have knocked. I will be patient, but not until I have asked. I will seek until I find. He has something for me. My prayers shall go up unto the God of my life"”
“Jesus said to them, "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything" John 16:22-23). The King James Version says, "You will ask me no question." May not the sight of Jesus Himself in His glory make all our questions seem redundant, if not simply foolish?”
“We have only this present moment. God does not usually give us previews of coming attractions. I can look back over many decades, remembering how worried I sometimes was, how bewildered at things God had permitted to happen, but now I see them all as a golden chain of mercies, gifts from a merciful Father who, like the father Jesus described, would never give his son a snake if he asked for a fish. What looks to us like a good thing might actually ruin us. How thankful I am for God's withholdings, for His unfailing faithfulness.”
“God knows not only what we need but when we need it.
When He withholds from us the one thing we feel sure would make us happy, it is well to remember His promise that He will meet all our needs "according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19). In other words, if we don't have it we don't need it-now. Perhaps He will give it next week, but that does not indicate indifference, for-getfulness, or poor timing. His time is always perfect.”
“Almighty God, give to Thy servant a meek and gentle spirit that may be slow to anger and easy to mercy and forgiveness. Give me a wise and constant heart, that I may never be moved to an intemperate anger for any injury that is done or offered. Lord, let me ever be courteous, and easy to be entreated; let me never fall into a peevish or contentious spirit, but follow peace with all men; offering forgiveness, inviting them by courtesies, ready to confess my own errors, apt to make amends, and desirous to be reconciled. Let no sickness or cross accident, no employment or weariness make me angry or ungentle and discontented, or unthankful, or uneasy to them that minister to me, but in all things make me like unto the holy Jesus. Amen.”
(Jeremy Taylor, 1613-1667)
July 15, 2024
Found this one for only six dollars!! While I always love some Elizabeth Elliot, the way this one was organized and structured felt more loose to me and was different from other books of hers that I have read. It is broken up into really short chapters that are almost like devotionals. The content of course was still great because it’s Elizabeth Elliot, duh. :)
“Our Heavenly Father knows to place us where we may learn lessons impossible anywhere else. He has neither misplaced or displaced us. He assigns and designs according to His inscrutable wisdom — always for our blessing and conformity to the image of Christ.”
“Our Heavenly Father knows to place us where we may learn lessons impossible anywhere else. He has neither misplaced or displaced us. He assigns and designs according to His inscrutable wisdom — always for our blessing and conformity to the image of Christ.”
November 7, 2022
The way Elizabeth Elliot is steadfast in her trust of the Lord makes me want to trust Him the same. I’m realizing how high I hold the words of those who have suffered with respect, and she knows loss well. “It has been the faith of the Son of God who loves me and gave Himself for me that has held me in the darkest valley and the hottest fires and the deepest waters.” (92)
“There is something marvelously sustaining about the knowledge that Thomas à Kempis and Samuel Rutherford and Amy Carmichael and Moses and the people of Israel and Mary and Joseph and countless hosts of others have suffered and feared and trusted and been carried through in the same Everlasting Arms that hold us.” (22)
“There is something marvelously sustaining about the knowledge that Thomas à Kempis and Samuel Rutherford and Amy Carmichael and Moses and the people of Israel and Mary and Joseph and countless hosts of others have suffered and feared and trusted and been carried through in the same Everlasting Arms that hold us.” (22)
September 8, 2009
While I am technically finished with this book, I will never truly be finished with it...or more accurately, the truths and challenges contained therein will never be finished" with me. Elisabeth Elliot is simply gifted beyond words--her passages about suffering, joy, marriage, and the power of the Gospel simultaneously convict and convince. Every day, I read something that was incredibly timely and relevant--no matter the circumstance. Of course, that is the great Conductor, orchestrating events of life, both mundane and major, and providing just the right words in those events. Look out, friends, as you might just receive this as a gift from me--it will become a staple in my "must gives". And, for me, will be read and consulted, until the pages are well-worn.
January 5, 2013
This was one of the books mom was reading at the time she passed away. A great truth to hold onto.
April 28, 2023
Elisabeth Elliot came to dinner at my parents’ house one night when I was a wayward college student. She had sings of Alzheimer’s already, but she turned to me suddenly and asked if I would like to have this book. I awkwardly said yes. She looked at me with piercing eyes and said, “I’ll only give this to you if you promise to read it.” Startled, I assured her I would. What a blessing it was to me, because I became a Christian not long after, and this was the first devotional book I read. It guided me through my first years of being out in the real world. I especially like the chapter on “Do the next thing.” How practical and helpful in days when getting up and serving others seems hard. The very title of this book is a phrase I hold dear to my heart, knowing that I am secure in God’s everlasting arms.
December 22, 2023
This is a collection of short pieces from EE's newsletter, so a bit of a hodgepodge, but I'll take a hodgepodge of Elisabeth's over a single-topic book of many other writers any day.
One insight in particular stood out: We've all heard her say, "Do the next thing," a kajillion times, but what if we're not sure what the next thing is supposed to be? Well, then the next thing we need to do is figure that out!
Reader was great on pronunciation—as far as I could tell, in French, Spanish, and Quechua as well as in English—but there were moments she didn't seem to understand what she was reading.
One insight in particular stood out: We've all heard her say, "Do the next thing," a kajillion times, but what if we're not sure what the next thing is supposed to be? Well, then the next thing we need to do is figure that out!
Reader was great on pronunciation—as far as I could tell, in French, Spanish, and Quechua as well as in English—but there were moments she didn't seem to understand what she was reading.
February 17, 2024
Elizabeth Elliott was an excellent author.
I wish I read parts of this when I was single. Really great advice given. An encouraging and edifying read.
I wish I read parts of this when I was single. Really great advice given. An encouraging and edifying read.
November 21, 2023
simple and practical, fosters intimacy and dependence on the Lord. gently convicted my heart and posture and speaks on many aspects of womanhood! loved!
January 20, 2015
A refreshing book! So many ladies’ books dwell too much on our need to feel good about our position in Christ, but they let us off the hook when it comes to personal holiness in a sinful world. Not so here. Elisabeth Elliot is known most widely for her marriage to martyred missionary, Jim Elliot. I find in her many books that Elisabeth Elliot continually brings my thoughts back to God's sovereignty and how my life must always glorify God. Even when life seemingly doesn't make sense, God is in control and knows best. This book is relevant for ladies in every walk of life from young girls, to single adults, to those married, with or without children, to those widowed. The only negative here is that Elliot regularly harkens back to her roots with Wheaton College and other Evangelical ties, institutions and associations which have since gone the way of New Evangelicalism and not Baptist Fundamentalism. Her themes of contentment, joy, service, and righteousness are easy to recognize with a slow reading. I read it too fast the first time!
I reviewed this book at MostlySensible.
I reviewed this book at MostlySensible.
November 4, 2016
I love reading Mrs. Elliot's books. Her short essays are filled with practical wisdom and encouragement to persevere faithfully in our walk with God.
July 8, 2023
EE’s words convict and encourage more than most. This one might be my fav yet. She reminds me who my God is quickly and beautifully with every page !!! Someone borrow this one from me !
On contentment -
“Many people seem to be looking ceaselessly for amusement, for some alleviation from boredom. Dissatisfied and restless, they fritter away their lives, wishing to move from what or where they are to what or where they aren't. "My people have committed two sins," says the Lord in Jeremiah 2:13. "They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." Discontentment dries up the soul. I hope you know more than one person to whom you could point and say,' “There is a truly contented person." Such a one will have learned the lesson of the psalmist, "My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me" (Psalm 131:1-2) There will be in that man or woman a noticeable peace, "the kind of peace that only I can give," " said Jesus. "It is not like the peace that this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid" John 14:27, CEV). To love God is to love His will. It is to wait quietly for life to be measured out by One who knows us through and through. It is to be content with His timing and His wise apportionment (Do I feel that my portion is too much of something? Too little of something else?). It is to follow in the steps of the Master, as did Paul, who was able to say that he had learned contentment no matter what the circumstances. His circumstances when he wrote that? Prison/ No easy lesson, but "great gain," which is the sum of godliness plus contentment (see 1 Timothy 6:6).”
On contentment -
“Many people seem to be looking ceaselessly for amusement, for some alleviation from boredom. Dissatisfied and restless, they fritter away their lives, wishing to move from what or where they are to what or where they aren't. "My people have committed two sins," says the Lord in Jeremiah 2:13. "They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." Discontentment dries up the soul. I hope you know more than one person to whom you could point and say,' “There is a truly contented person." Such a one will have learned the lesson of the psalmist, "My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me" (Psalm 131:1-2) There will be in that man or woman a noticeable peace, "the kind of peace that only I can give," " said Jesus. "It is not like the peace that this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid" John 14:27, CEV). To love God is to love His will. It is to wait quietly for life to be measured out by One who knows us through and through. It is to be content with His timing and His wise apportionment (Do I feel that my portion is too much of something? Too little of something else?). It is to follow in the steps of the Master, as did Paul, who was able to say that he had learned contentment no matter what the circumstances. His circumstances when he wrote that? Prison/ No easy lesson, but "great gain," which is the sum of godliness plus contentment (see 1 Timothy 6:6).”
April 15, 2019
"Shepherd them, carrying them on your heart for God's very best."
I was reading this book the same time I was reading Job in the Bible, and the way Job needed to pray for his friends to settle his heart and mind so he could focus on God instead of relationships with other people, seemed to go right along with the above quote by EE.
There are, of course, many other wonderful ideas in this book.
I was reading this book the same time I was reading Job in the Bible, and the way Job needed to pray for his friends to settle his heart and mind so he could focus on God instead of relationships with other people, seemed to go right along with the above quote by EE.
There are, of course, many other wonderful ideas in this book.
February 6, 2022
This book is a lot of little stories/thoughts pieced together. Did prove somewhat repetitive at times but all good reminders of our Heavenly Father who never lets us go. Elisabeth Elliot will forever be a woman I greatly respect. What a life she lived.
December 19, 2022
One of the book highlights of the year for me. Elisabeth Elliot was convinced that God is always good, and that suffering is always worth it. After reading this book, you must agree with her. Thankful for her example and exhortations even now.
January 5, 2024
Received this in the mail from Sloan Townsend during maybe the hardest week of my entire year. A collection of devotionals that will point you heavenward if you are weary with injustice + strife!
I’ll keep running back to this one.
I’ll keep running back to this one.
May 4, 2024
Challenged and encouraged by each chapter, but boy oh boy was I challenged by her presentation of forgiveness.
May 19, 2024
Every time I read an Elisabeth Elliot book, I am always encouraged. She was such a strong woman of God and so inspiring.
March 2, 2025
I enjoyed reading this-it was a collection of writings from her newsletters, some of which were quotes from her favorite Christian authors and friends.
January 28, 2025
“Trust and obey there’s other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey”
September 11, 2022
Another author that I thoroughly enjoy reading. She points me to God like Yancey does and helps me to look at things in a new way. Reading this while trying to learn how to communicate with my mom after her stroke...krb 8/19/22
August 31, 2010
I really enjoy all of the books I read by Elizabeth Elliot. Before reading her books, I had a wrong misconception of her because she had 3 husbands before. However, reading Shadow of the Almighty, Passion & Purity, etc. and this book really open my eyes to how faithful her life is and how I can imitate her godly character. I especially enjoyed the section about finding contentment in life despite the difficult circumstances and troubles we face. I also really enjoyed the chapter about how Lars, Valerie, and her visited the Aucas again. It is very touching, because it is truly God at work on how Lars is so understanding and willing to learn more details about her past.
"Our heavenly Father knows to place us where we may learn lessons impossible anywhere else. He has neither misplaced or displaced us. He assigns and designs according to His inscrutable wisdom - always for our blessing and conformity to the image of Christ." P. 116
"Our heavenly Father knows to place us where we may learn lessons impossible anywhere else. He has neither misplaced or displaced us. He assigns and designs according to His inscrutable wisdom - always for our blessing and conformity to the image of Christ." P. 116
September 3, 2023
I chose this specific book to read because I respect this author so much and because the title intrigued me. The phrase was first spoken by Moses in his later years, having found God to be faithful throughout all his life. (Deuteronomy 33:27) I learned later that Elisabeth Elliot always began her radio program “Gateway to Joy” with “You are loved with an everlasting love -that’s what the bible says - and underneath are the everlasting arms.” The book is a compilation of articles from a newsletter Elisabeth wrote for 21 years. From these selected articles, her wise words still give me great encouragement and direction in my daily life today.
July 11, 2008
I don't normally read Elisabeth Elliot but someone gave me this book. It's a good antidote to my tendency to introspect. She has no tolerance for whining or even feelings. Bad things happening to you? Just do the next thing you're supposed to do. Angry at God? Elisabeth says she has never been angry at God -- he is good and loving, as shown in the death of Jesus Christ for us. I used to think she was not compassionate but now I think the opposite -- she knows how self-destructive self-pity is. When I'm indulging in self-whatever, it's great to be reminded to trust and obey.
July 30, 2015
This book is gold. If you haven't yet read anything for Elisabeth Elliot, then I highly encourage you to (you can start with the biography 'Through the Gates of Splendour').
But this book, as a devotional reflection on the daily Christian life was invaluable, and so encouraging. So applicable to many of the struggles I have been going through in my walk with the Lord!
But this book, as a devotional reflection on the daily Christian life was invaluable, and so encouraging. So applicable to many of the struggles I have been going through in my walk with the Lord!
July 30, 2016
I LOVE Elisabeth Elliot! I have been reading this book over the past months as part of my quiet time and am so thankful for the words in it. The Lord used E. Elliot's writing to speak to me right where I was at each day. I am thankful for the faithfulness that she lived out during her life, so much encouragement and truth from the choices that E. Elliot made.
February 17, 2021
Life is too short. Giving myself permission to DNF this. I very much dislike tiny vignettes. After reading half a book of 2-3 page story bites & not retaining anything I read save the story of her husband's death I'm letting it go. Not every book is for you & this is not for me. Giving it 2 stars instead on 1 because the writing is good.
December 29, 2009
I haven’t yet read a book by E.E. that I haven’t liked and this one rates at the top of the list. Many of her reflections from her 13 yr. radio program are in this book. I took away from it a lot of wisdom, hope as well as many great quotes of inspiration and reflection.
July 12, 2012
I have enjoyed all of Elliot's books that I have read. This is my least favorite. It lacks a theme or thesis. The best part of the book was her return to visit the Waorani in Ecuador after thirty one years.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews