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How many of us have...

Have You Ever Been Alone with God?

BY OSWALD CHAMBERS

When they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples. —Mark 4:34

Our Solitude with Him. Jesus doesn’t take us aside and explain things to us all the time; He explains things to us as we are able to understand them.

The lives of others are examples for us, but God requires us to examine our own souls. It is slow work— so slow that it takes God all of time and eternity to make a man or woman conform to His purpose.

We can only be used by God after we allow Him to show us the deep, hidden areas of our own character. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves! We don’t even recognize the envy, laziness, or pride within us when we see it. But Jesus will reveal to us everything we have held within ourselves before His grace began to work.

How many of us have learned to look inwardly with courage?

We have to get rid of the idea that we understand ourselves. That is always the last bit of pride to go. The only One who understands us is God. The greatest curse in our spiritual life is pride. If we have ever had a glimpse of what we are like in the sight of God, we will never say, “Oh, I’m so unworthy.”

We will understand that this goes without saying. But as long as there is any doubt that we are unworthy, God will continue to close us in until He gets us alone. [read that again]

Whenever there is any element of pride or conceit remaining, Jesus can’t teach us anything.

He will allow us to experience heartbreak or the disappointment we feel when our intellectual pride is wounded. He will reveal numerous misplaced affections or desires— things over which we never thought He would have to get us alone.

Many things are shown to us, often without effect. But when God gets us alone over them, they will be clear.

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Fun Fact: No one would know of Oswald, who died at 43 from infected appendix surgery, if it were not for his wife, Biddy. After his death, Biddy, a young widowed mom, curated ALL his works from 30 years writing, journaling, teaching and preaching at bible colleges and churches.

His devotional is number one after the bible for me, personally, for helping us have a real, interactive, vibrant, solid, practical relationship with the Lord.

She published his works, as we know them in "My Utmost for His Highest", ten years after his death. He had virtually nothing to do with the writings that have his name, in terms of their layout, construction, flow and even intention for daily life. It was her.

Biddy's heart, mind, shorthand wiring skills and interpretations are what God used to make Oswald's inspired writings famous and influence millions upon millions over the last almost 100 years.

Her work. His credit. Not fair. 100% God's will for two willing souls.

Our wives and women are much more than we understand.

👊🏽

Adam

West Point, New York

On the Hudson

January 2025

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