Grieving But Working
Oswald Chambers had a powerful life and ministry, but at the age of 43 while stationed as a chaplain in Egypt, he became very ill. Michelle Ule in her book Mrs Oswald Chambers tells of how stomach ailments were common in that part of the world in those days, but Oswald was rushed to a doctor and underwent surgery for a burst appendix. The operation was a success, but Oswald didn't recover - a blood clot developed in his lung, and a short time later, Oswald Chambers sadly died.
The whole camp went into mourning, of course. He had been their spiritual leader and guide. Biddy Chambers grieved most of all - trying to come to terms with this tragic loss in her life.
Remembering His Last Words
One evening, she suddenly remembered the last words she had heard Oswald speak, which echoed John 14:12. He said "Greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." Biddy wrote that she felt as if God was speaking to her in that moment, telling her that there was still work to be done for Him, even though Oswald was gone.
In fact Oswald, in a talk on Ecclesiastes 9, had once said this: "The Bible never allows us to waste time over the departed. It does not mean that the fact of human grief is ignored, but the worship of reminiscence is never allowed... Arise and go to the next thing."
Biddy began to feel that though she was grieving, there was 'the next thing' to get to. She felt there could still be a fruitful ministry, from Oswald's words and teachings, if she pursued it.
A Living Testimony in Grief
A week or so after Oswald's death, a friend came to visit Biddy, and he wrote: "One's first thoughts for her to whom he had meant everything were of deep sympathy and prayer. These were needed, but also one had to offer praise to God to see the marvellous calm and quiet fortitude, no rebellion, no questioning, but a real living testimony of Christ's own words 'Believe also in me'."
For me, this was such an incredible witness to how Christians can grieve while still living for God's glory and for His mission. Biddy's determination to honour God in her grief is quite something.
Are you grieving the loss of a loved one today? That's ok - you should be grieving. God weeps as you weep. But learn a lesson from Biddy Chambers today. While she grieved, she continued her work for God with a deep trust that He was still at work in her. I pray that someone might be able to say the same about you and me when we face loss.
When Oswald Chambers died, Biddy grieved – but kept moving forward.