“Lord, all that I long for is known to you,
my sighing is no secret from you…
I put my trust in you, and leave you to answer for me’ (Elizabeth Elliott).

Betty Elliott was a wise woman, not because of any inherent intelligence or moral superiority but because she knew where to go to find wisdom.

Proverbs 9:10 says “The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10, LSB).

Wisdom starts not from a phobia about God and who He is but a reverent awe of Him and a right understanding of ourselves. We don’t cringe in fear but bow in adoration.

James 1:5 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and ^[a]without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5, LSB).

It seems easy but often the last place we look for wisdom is the first place we’re commanded to seek it. We should never be afraid to ask God for what we need because He’s never stingy or miserly but always gives generously what we need exactly when we need it.

Ultimately, Elizabeth Elliott found that all her longing found its ultimate fulfillment in God alone. She knew that no desire for marriage or family or purpose superseded her great need for God to guide and direct her path.

Her life wasn’t easy or simple, but her God was (and is) faithful to His children who are so often prone to wander. May we never fail to come boldly before the throne of grace in our time of need — which if we’re honest, is all the time.