Mrs. Oswald Chambers: The Woman behind the World's Bestselling Devotional

by Michelle Ule

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.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Christian, Historical, Religion, Biography Memoir, Christian Non Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2017

About the author

ABOUT MY BOOK REVIEWS

IF NO STARS, it means I know the author, so, on principle I do not review unless I absolutely adore the book--and I will tell you why.

ONE STAR means I didn't like the book.

FIVE STARS are rare . . .

BIO

“Tell me a story,” has been my question since birth.

Since I love them so much, what better way to share the fun and interesting things I've learned than in writing stories myself?

I'm a “retired” Navy wife who has lived all over the United States and even Hawai’i.

Raised in San Pedro, California, a melting pot of many languages and cultures, I've traveled the world meeting people and laughing my way through ridiculous circumstances.

I love history, music, books, reading, my terrific family, amusing friends, travel opportunities and irony.

A New York Times and ECPA bestselling author of five novellas and a Navy SEAL novel, in 2017 I'm the biographer of Mrs. Oswald Chambers and essayist in Utmost Ongoing: Reflections on the Legacy of Oswald Chambers.

IN 2018, I published A Poppy in Remembrance, a World War I coming-of-age story.

You can learn more about me, my books, thoughts, stories and ideas at my website: www.michelleule.com

Note to readers: As part of my job as editorial assistant, I've been asked not to review books represented by Books & Such Literary Agency, though I can include them in my "read" list.

Reviews

[Michelle Ule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi Everyone! This is my new book, coming out in October! I am so excited for you to read it and hope that you help spread the word about it by adding it to your to-read shelf! :-)

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful story! I knew nothing about Biddy Chambers before I read this book, but now -- thanks to Michelle Ule's meticulous research -- I feel as if I've actually met the woman behind Oswald Chambers' writing. Michelle's background as a novelist is evident and turns what could have been a simple recitation of facts into a story that reads almost as easily as a novel. Although I'd planned to read only a chapter a day, the story was so compelling that I found it difficult to put the book down.

If you read only one biography this year, I recommend that it be Mrs. Oswald Chambers. Michelle Ule brings not only Biddy Chambers but the world in which she lived to life in an unforgettable way.

[Dee Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible credit 6 hours 28 min. Narrated by Michelle Ule(A)

Some readers may be familiar with the name Oswald Chambers and even with the devotional book "My Utmost for His Highest," which bears his name. I was given this book in 1991 by my two children and was under the impression that Oswald had written it himself. This week, I learned that had it not been through the tireless efforts of his loving wife, there would have been no book. It was published ten years after his death, has sold over 13 million copies in over 45 languages, and has never been out of print. There are also another 30 books which bear his name.

Oswald Chambers might only have been a footnote in history. He had a relatively small ministry, although it took him numerous times from London to America, to Japan, back to the States, and around England and Scotland. With the beginning of World War One, Chambers (too old to serve in the military) felt the call to minister to the soldiers and became leader in the YMCA and was sent to Egypt and followed shortly after by his wife and daughter. They, along with a number of close friends, had a very personal work with hundreds of soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Britain who spent a few weeks or months training and waiting to be shipped out.

One admirer of Oswald Chambers said that his success lay in the fact that Chambers"was completely abandoned in God but always available to people." He was known by his pithy statements used to attract the attention of the soldiers to whom he ministered. "Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God however you may not understand at the time." O.C.

Whenever and wherever Oswald lectured or preached, his wife Gertrude "Biddy" sat in the last row and used shorthand and accurately recorded his words in hundreds of notebooks. They had only a brief ten years of marriage, but.Chambers had preached thousands of times, delivered countless lectures at small Bible college, and prepared hundreds of home Bible studies through the mail. After Oswald Chamber's sudden death at age 47, his widow Biddy only 36, and the mother of their daughter Kathleen, age five, persevered through two world wars and lived under desperately challenging circumstances. All those notebooks were to make Oswald Chambers' ministry long out live him. Biddy was destitute and sole provider for a daughter, but she believed that God would provide for their earthly needs if she would set her mind on God's kingdom. She pulled out her notebooks on the courses her husband had taught in college, transcribed them from shorthand, typed them up and got them into print, and never asked for financial aid. God provided. Dozens of books by Oswald Chambers were in print before Biddy came up with a plan for a yearly devotional book. This was not a new idea. "Morning and Evening" had already been authored by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. (Oswald Chambers was saved after attending an evening service at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Spurgeon's church in London.) Biddy used selected paragraphs from her husband's words, chose a corresponding part of a Bible verse and created "My Utmost for His Highest." The title was taken from one of his personal favorite maxims. "We have to realize that no effort can be too high. It must be my utmost for His highest all the time." The devotional was first printed shortly before World War Ii broke out. It was an immediate success, and Biddy plowed the profits back into more printings. A fire bomb destroyed hundreds of newly printed books when the warehouse was hit by a German fire bomb, but that just made Biddy more determined. Biddy never took any acknowledgment for her work, other than the initials B.C. on the forward.

She demonstrated through her own personal faith in God and the promises of His Word that she had indeed given her "utmost for His highest." Biddy died in 1966.
This is a remarkable biography, and I highly recommend it. Again, I went the internet for more information and found a number of videos about the Chambers.

Two other women's lives stood out to me. The Chamber's daughter Kathleen never married and was devoted to her mother and later to her mother's vision. Oswald Chamber's spinster sister, also named Gertrude, devoted her life to the care of their parents, but also to Oswald's work. She handled all his correspondence, including the home Bible studies. Her life was filled with envelopes, stamps, and all the details involved. She continued this ministry after her brother's death until her advanced years and arthritis made it impossible. I imagine her ministry was as long or longer than Biddy's.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a big non-fiction reader, but I found this biography of Biddy Chambers absolutely fascinating. The role she played both in her marriage to Oswald as well as after his death was amazing. While he was alive, their faith was built around the premise that God would fulfill their needs as they ministered both in England and during World War 1 in Egypt. Neither ever received a salary from their ministry. Biddy's major function while Oswald was alive to was to take shorthand notes from every preaching and teaching that Oswald led. After his death at a young age, Biddy's entire role, along with raising their daughter, was to make sure her notes became pamphlets and books that would carry on Oswald's word and ministry. Along with that, she also continued to help minister to soldiers both in Egypt and in England. What an amazing, faith-filled life this wonderful lady led.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If I have an ambition, it is that I might have honorable mention in anyone's personal relationship with Our Jesus Christ."

"One life may be of incalculable use to God: and yours may be that life"

"I give the day over into God's hands, completely, so He will look after who comes."


This was an excellent, well researched book. The author did a great job of sticking to the facts but in a way that felt more like a story instead of a recitation. "Biddy" was an amazing, godly woman who poured out her life for Jesus Christ. I didn't realize all she did to make "My Utmost for His Highest"come to fruition after Oswald's death.

[Oak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Oswald Chambers: The Woman behind the World’s Bestselling Devotional by Michelle Ule is an informative look into the life of Gertrude “Biddy” Chambers. Throughout the book, we learn how Biddy made Oswald Chambers a household name. Biddy’s life was a fascinating one, and this book skillfully shares her amazing story. I enjoyed learning about who Biddy was and the things that she stood for; she was a smart, talented woman, a loving wife and mother, and a fiercely devout Christian.

I like how the chapters are organized by the year or years that they discuss; for example, the chapter “The Secret of the Lord” talks about 1908 to 1910. My favorite chapter was “The Teaching of Adversity,” which talks about the year 1917. The book also includes sixteen pages of relevant black and white photos, which I loved to look at. Mrs. Oswald Chambers gives readers a detailed glimpse into Biddy’s beautiful world.

*I received this book for review*

[Ginger Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Oswald Chambers, I loved reading Mrs. Oswald Chambers, the new biography from Michelle Ule. My Utmost for His Highest has been part of my morning routine for years. It was fascinating to learn more about the Chambers and the gifted woman who brought Oswald’s words to the world. The impact of Biddy’s work has brought countless readers closer to Christ. For any fan of Oswald Chambers, this book is a great read.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions herein are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What kind of woman married Oswald Chambers? A woman who trained to be a prime minister’s secretary but chose a different master, Gertrude Annie Hobbs Chambers lived her life to the utmost for God’s highest purposes.” Oswald and Gertrude were introduced when her mother Emily Emelia “naturally invited the visiting preacher to the house for tea, no doubt thinking such a godly man must be in want of a good wife.” But “love is not premeditated, it is spontaneous, i.e., it bursts up in extraordinary ways.”

While serving as her chaperone on a voyage from England to New York, the couple fell in love. The evangelist nicknamed the typist “Beloved Disciple,” abbreviated B.D., blended to Biddy. To him, she was “the woman of God among girls headed right.” To her, he “was a wonderful interpreter of the mind of Christ” and his stenographer wife believed “the most lasting preaching came from a pen.” “Biddy cherished his words…like a stone set within the ring of God’s calling.”

After her husband’s untimely death at 43, “Biddy’s ministry of interruptions continued, as valuable as ever…Biddy used Oswald’s words, but her mind compiled the passages and arranged them by day. The new book’s title came from Oswald’s ‘signature’ remarks: ‘We have to realize that no effort can be too high…It must be my utmost for His highest all the time…She pieced together a crazy quilt of concepts into a beautiful work of practical spiritual warmth.”

“We have not been told to follow in all the footsteps of the mountain-like characters, but in the footsteps of their faith.” And those who knew Biddy “likened her to Enoch, who walked with God.” Biddy’s biography “serves as a clarion call to readers…‘‘Leave the Irreparable Past in His hands, and step into the Irresistible Future with Him.’” Michelle Ule’s Mrs. Oswald Chambers is a motivational masterpiece!

[Carrie Padgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book two weeks ago but I needed some time to absorb it all before I talked about it.

I’ve read My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers many times. Sometimes it’s my daily devotional for the year. Sometimes I just pick it up and read random days. But there’s always a copy nearby that I can easily get my hands on.

I had no idea the work, the calling, the sacrifice that went into making copies of this book so readily available to readers.

Michelle Ule has crafted a story that is part biography, part history, and part devotional in its own right.

Mrs. Oswald Chambers is, on the surface, a biography of Gertrude ‘Biddy’ Chambers, Oswald Chambers’ wife and widow. It starts with her early life, moves to meeting Chambers, falling in love, and their decision to marry and minster together. They married in 1910, had a daughter in 1913, and he died in 1917. A short marriage, but one with lasting and far-reaching impact.

Biddy trained as a secretary and took shorthand at 250 words per minute. She wrote down all of his sermons, homilies, lessons, and talks, then transcribed them. After her husband’s death, she began to compile various selections and released them as books under his name.

I loved Mrs. Oswald Chambers! Michelle Ule crafted a story that is compelling, humbling, and thought-provoking. If I’d been widowed with a small child, while living in a foreign country near a war zone, I don’t think my inclination would be to continue to serve God while living in poverty. Biddy did that, not only willingly, but with a faith and a calling that never faltered.

I highly recommend this book and I suggest you run and grab your own copy. It will change you.

[Davalynn Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Oswald Chambers is a compelling biography that draws you into the life of a remarkable woman. It is perhaps the truest of “romances,” for it encompasses the unfailing love of God in and between two people committed completely to serving Him together. Well done, Michelle Ule.

[Amy Boucher Pye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've loved My Utmost for His Highest for many years, and recently was honored to join the Oswald Chambers Publications Association, so naturally I wanted to read up on not only this great man - but the great woman whose story hasn't been strongly known. I'm grateful for Michelle Ule's biography, which outlines Biddy Chambers' contribution to the world through her editorial work.

After Oswald Chambers died at the early age of 43, his widow felt the commission by God to transcribe her careful shorthand notes from many of his talks. Throughout the rest of her life, she turned the talks into many books and articles - the most prized being My Utmost.

Ule's biography tells the unknown story of Biddy and her work and life. I enjoyed it, but at times it felt like a list of all of the research the author had conducted. Still, worth reading for the encouragement we can find in a life lived for God's glory, and one who didn't seek the limelight (Biddy's name doesn't appear on any of Oswald's books).

[Michelle Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a good book - fairly captivating. Mostly I wanted to gain more insight into Oswald’s life and through this book I discovered that the world would ostensibly likely not know who he was if not for his wife, “Biddy,” (her nickname), who was a pro at shorthand and kept copious notes of all of his teachings. She published some of his works while he was living, but most after he died. She also took iver for him and taught the soldiers where they were stationed in Egypt whenever Oswald was away. She was an amazing woman. I would give the book more stars, but the writing isn’t amazing and I didn’t like how the author explained the end of Biddy’s life - there wasn’t enough information.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sad to say that this book was terribly dull and it wasn't due to the subject matter; Biddy and Oswald Chambers did not lead boring lives. The blame goes squarely on the presentation of the content - the writing was extremely choppy, superficial, lank, repetitive, devoid of emotion, and unorganized. Another reviewer mentioned that it felt like an info dump, and I couldn't agree more - a big, giant, awkward mess of facts. It was interesting learning more about the Chambers, but I wish that the reading experience had been more pleasant.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent biography of the woman behind the man! I loved her faith in God which continued after Oswald’s early passing. This book was an interesting behind-the-scenes look at what it took to publish books, the Chambers’s ministry in WWI, and the fate of book publishing companies during WWII. I’m happy to have read it and would love to read more of Oswald’s writings beyond My Utmost For His Highest, which I read in high school and should probably revisit!

[Faith Enck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informational, but a poorly constructed biography. It is clear that there was a desire to write a narrative fictional account of their life merged with the biographical facts, and unfortunately, it leaves a good bit of gray area on the information being true or fictional. A difficult book to cite for research, though for personal interest, it proved informative.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew the vast amount of writings by Oswald were organized and published by his widow??? She is a model of tireless ambition and motivation , yet always had time to sit down with anyone needing a listening ear. She never once said, “I’m too busy.. “

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly inspirational

With a single minded drive and desire to accomplish God's will, Biddy Chambers lived a life that was glorifying to God.

[Rachel Schmoyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of biographies so this book immediately caught my attention. For the past several years, I have been reading biographies of the First Ladies of the United States. Many of them are written by historians and professors who serve heaping helpings of fact and analysis which are a great deal of work to read. They are worth reading, but it certainly is an intellectual pursuit. Michelle Ule uses her talents as a novelist to write about Mrs. Oswald Chambers in an easy-to-read way, but “easy-to-read” doesn’t mean she left out facts or analysis. Michelle Ule was able to both maintain an intriguing storyline of Biddy’s life while providing historical details and refection. I especially appreciated her analysis of why Biddy chose certain topics for certain dates in My Utmost for His Highest (biblical marriage on their wedding anniversary, etc). The way Michelle Ule described the analysis gave me a picture of Biddy deep in thought in her editorial work.

More about what I learned from the book at https://rachelschmoyerwrites.com/2017...

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oswald and Biddy Chambers are two historical figures that I am not very well acquinted with. But, I was interested in learning more.  I find that I can learn so much from the men and women of faith that have gone on before me. That is why I chose to pick up this book. I had high hopes but was unfortunately disappointed.

I found this book incrediably dull. People pulled into the story without an explanation of who they were. Maybe I think too much like a fiction reader. It is true, I mostly read fiction. But, I want to know who a person is and to understand why they're being mentioned. I don't want to know if someone dined with Katherine if I have no idea who Katherine is.  Perhaps people assume biographies are only read by people already familiar with the person and their circle of friends? This is simply not the case.

I felt nothing for Biddy or for Oswald. From an outside view, I didn't understand her. I couldn't understand a near aversion to taking money for a job to earn their own way. Now, I definitely think the church should support missions  but even when Biddy had the opportunity, she refused all money except for donations for her personal upkeep? Meaning, she relied fully on others to pay her food, house and rent. How does that even make sense? I don't mean any disrespect to the actual people, I've read this book and still feel as if I know nothing of them or their character. Were they the early version of Jill and Derek Duggar—the type that rush off to a war zone (with a baby) on the donations of others and never working for anything themselves? Was there something more to their call that just fell flat for me in this book?

Further, I was put off by Biddy basically preaching to the men in the camp. I don't even want to open this can of worms other than to say I couldn't agree with it.

Last, this book was largely one big information dump.  I still know very little about these two.

Honestly, I have no clue whether I'm practicing blasphemy for how I feel because this is my only reference that I have to go by thus far.

This book just wasn't for me. I think I'm going to have to look into Oswald and Biddy Chambers and come up with my own opinions or perhaps ask my pastor for his thoughts.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Baker Book Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Oswald Chambers: The Woman Behind the World's Bestselling Devotional is a book chock full o' information about the day to day lives of missionaries Oswald and Biddy Chambers. If you ever wondered what life as a missionary was like at the turn of the century, this will give you a little taste. I confess, I was exhausted just reading all that Oswald and Biddy accomplished both in England and in Egypt. But this book is not particularly about Oswald or his teachings. The emphasis is clearly on Biddy's role in the mission work -- her dedication, skill, and perseverance, especially during both World War I and II -- and gives us entry into the nuts and bolts of mission work. More particularly, we are told how Biddy took Oswald's teachings (which she'd scrupulously written down using shorthand while Oswald lived), edited and arranged them to produce the most popular devotional ever written: My Utmost for His Highest. All this information can make for moments of dry reading at times, but overall the story is compelling and picks up as it moves along. Well worth one's time.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biddy Chambers: A Sacramental Life

Published in 1927, My Utmost for His Highest has sold more than 13 million copies and has never been out of print. Over the course of its 90+ year history, it has been translated into 40 different languages, and Oswald Chambers’s unique and timeless wisdom is quoted far and wide.

However, until recently, little thought has been given to the fact that My Utmost was not published until ten years after Chambers’s death, and that it was his wife, Gertrude “Biddy” Hobbs Chambers who took on the mammoth task of compiling and editing nearly twenty years’ worth of sermons and lessons. Michelle Ule has traced this process in telling the story of the woman behind the world’s best-selling devotional: Mrs. Oswald Chambers.

“It Is God Who Engineers Circumstances”
Trained as a stenographer, Biddy learned to type as well with the goal of financial stability and the lofty hope of one day becoming the first female secretary to England’s prime minister. While she remained very private about her spiritual life, it’s clear that her spiritual journey began under the ministry of Oswald Chambers’s brother Arthur. At some point after she was baptized, Oswald led a week-long mission at his big brother’s church, representing an early interdenominational para-church organization, the League of Prayer.

To riff on Jane Austen, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a [budding ministry], must be in want of a wife,” and although Chambers did not come seeking, he found, and to frame it with his own words:

“Love is not premeditated, it is spontaneous, i.e., it bursts up in extraordinary ways.”

The “bursting up” was followed by a long distance courtship which evolved into an on-the-road marriage in which Oswald and Biddy crossed the Atlantic and covered the Eastern U.S. as far south as Maryland, as far north as Maine (!), and as far west as Ohio, with Oswald speaking at camp meetings and Biddy faithfully taking shorthand at every venue.

When the newlyweds returned to England, they soon took up residence and took on leadership roles in a Bible Training College started by the League of Prayer. While Oswald lectured, Biddy served as the school’s superintendent and together they grew into the kind of wisdom that taught them the folly of playing the role of “amateur providence” in other lives and the deep faith that comes with depending upon God for every need to be met.

A man of “perpetual motion” (55), Chambers became a bit of a celebrity in his small circle with everyone wanting a piece of his day. In quietly cherishing his words and in unraveling the administrative nightmares of life together in an educational setting, Biddy began to live her way into a calling of her own in an era when a Christian woman was largely seen as an adornment for the arm of her more influential husband. After the birth of their daughter Kathleen in 1913, summer traveling and school-year activities resumed in full force with a small, blonde curly-haired addition to the ministry team.

“God’s Purpose Is Never Man’s Purpose”
When England entered World War I, the Bible Training College era come to an end, and the Chambers family traveled together to Egypt where Oswald served as a YMCA chaplain. Early in their parenting life, they committed themselves to raising Kathleen themselves and keeping her with them, rather then sending her off to boarding school as was the custom of that day.

Life in Egypt was characterized by a “ministry of interruptions” in which Biddy Biddy Chambers: A Sacramental Lifeand Oswald made themselves available to anyone who needed to hear the Truth. “Washing the disciples’ feet” often meant feeding hordes of service men under challenging circumstances, and, for Biddy, it always meant patiently recording every word of her husband’s many sermons and devotionals. With amazing prescience for this time, Oswald referred to Biddy’s great contribution to their ministry in his letters:

“As for Biddy I love her and I am her husband, but I do not believe it is possible to exaggerate what she has been in the way of a Sacrament out here — God conveying His presence through the common elements of an ordinary life.”

When Oswald passed away in Egypt on November 15, 1917, from complications following a ruptured appendix, God’s Word to Joshua became a comfort to Biddy:

“As I was with Moses, so will I be with thee. I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee . . .Only be strong and very courageous.” (Joshua 1:5)

Amidst the fires of sorrow, Biddy continued what Oswald had begun and was comforted by the understanding and appreciation of the servicemen she and her husband had served together. One by one, she began producing books and pamphlets taken from her careful notes and publishing them at her own expense, and this became the scaffolding of her life in England when she returned home to a “home” that did not feel like home with a young daughter who had no memory of the family there and who was used to living amidst the bustle of an Army camp.

“Faith is Deliberate Commitment to a Person Where I See No Way.”
Because Chambers had not been employed by the military, Biddy had no pension, and times were lean for her and Kathleen as they moved from one situation to another, always typing, always publishing, and always just short of enough resources to make ends meet. The notion of publishing a daily devotional work that compiled Oswald’s teaching followed on the heels of the enthusiastic response to a devotional calendar Biddy had produced. Thus, it was in October 1927, in the days when Lewis and Tolkien were lunching at the Eagle and Child pub, when Winnie the Pooh was holding court at the London Zoo, in the year that Amy Carmichael’s Dohnavur Fellowship came into being in India, and that someone made the first transatlantic phone call to North America that My Utmost for His Highest was first published in England.

Biddy went on to run a boutique publishing house, editing and launching Oswald’s writings to an enthusiastic readership that still profits from his words — and from her skill and determination. Personally, my appreciation for Chambers’s work has been heightened by this introduction to his wife’s story. Because I learned that Biddy carefully chose the meditations for Oswald’s birthday, their wedding day, and the anniversary of his death, I want to make a notation in my copy to remind me that the message for that day is specifically assigned. As a single mum who persevered through two world wars and lived all her days under challenging circumstances, Biddy Chambers lived out the title of her husband’s book, offering her utmost in faithfulness and focus for His highest purposes in her own life and in the lives of her readers every day.

This book was provided by Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Cynthia Proctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written biography of a very special woman behind the famous devotional, My Utmost For His Highest. Almost every morning over the past eleven years, I have read from the daily devotional, My Utmost For His Highest, by Oswald Chambers. That book has truly helped to shape my Christian faith and theology, often leaving me with thoughts and challenges that would stay in my mind and heart each day. I quickly became an Oswald Chambers fan! Now, I have read a biography about his wife, Biddy, who made sure that book got into my hands! After Oswald's death, she worked tirelessly to put his words into print and share them with the world. I am forever grateful that she did. The story of Biddy Chambers, told so eloquently by Michelle Ule, is inspiring. The difficult sacrifices Mrs. Chambers made and her devotion to God that led her to spend the rest of her life sharing Oswald's sermons and lessons with us is amazing. Many times, what looked like failure and the end of a dream, would turn into opportunity and blessings.

This book is an intriguing read, and it's hard to put down. Michelle Ule brought this special woman to life, and I will never forget her story. It's more than a story of the wife behind a famous man. It's a story of a woman's determination, fortitude, spiritual determination and faith that captivates the reader's heart, mind, and spirit! Against all odds, she pushed through and was simply willing and faithful to God's calling on her life. It's a beautiful story.

Thank you, Michelle Ule, for this glorious story! You brought this woman to life for me, and I am thankful for the work she did and the bold and successful mission she completed. I highly recommend this book. I'll never forget it!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing I knew about Oswald Chambers was that he wrote the devotional, My Utmost For His Highest, which I looked through some years ago (I don't remember if I read it all the way through) and liked some of the concepts that I found in it. When I saw this biography of his wife I thought that it would be a good way to know more about the couple. It really informed me quite a bit and gave me a better picture of these two people, or a rather it gave me the only picture I've had so far as I didn't know really anything at all about them.

Gertrude Annie Hobbes, known as "Biddy" (Oswald's nickname for her), was not expecting the life that God had planned for her. She had trained for and had become excellent at taking shorthand notes and was a good typist as well. Her goal was to be the first female secretary to the prime minister of England. God had other plans. She and Oswald Chambers initially 'fell' in love on a ten day voyage to America. Oswald was a volunteer circuit lecturer for the League of Prayer and had been asked by her mother to look after her daughter on the trip. He was already acquainted with Biddy, but this trip solidified a friendship between the two and initiated a correspondence between them and visits, which led to their becoming engaged and then married.

They served the Lord together, starting a Bible training college for the League of Prayer and after some years, during World War I they left England to work with the YMCA in Egypt ministering to soldiers stationed there. They brought their only child, Kathleen, with them. I really appreciated that instead of seeing Kathleen as secondary to the primary work of ministering to other people, and sending her off to boarding school or having her live with relatives or another family (as other couples involved in mission work sometimes did), they saw her as their own God given responsibility and another person whom God gave them to minister to and so they took her with them. While there, Biddy transcribed Oswald's messages in shorthand, as she had done in England.

After some time of ministering in Egypt Oswald died and Biddy was left a widow and with a young child to look after. Biddy didn't despair and kept on with the work that she believed God still wanted her to do. She took over some of the teaching sessions Oswald had held and often used his works, reading out loud from them. Some time after World War I ended Biddy and Kathleen returned home and Biddy continued the work she had started while in Egypt, of typing up and translating her shorthand notes of Oswald's lectures (she had trunks/boxes full of them) and sorting through and compiling them into pamphlets and books. She saw it as a God-ordained ministry granted to her, to organize and publish her husband's preaching. Late in life Biddy ended up having some mental problems (not fully explained) and she died in 1966 at the age of eighty two.

I want to mention that I had some concerns about Biddy and Oswald's beliefs. But let me say first that this biography seems more like an overview of the couple and their faith, so I am not sure the extent of their beliefs in most of these things. I'll mention a few of my concerns. First, they were associated with the Holiness movement, and from what I understand that is associated with believing that Christians can attain perfect sinless lives on this earth despite having yet unglorified bodies. But Biddy and Oswald never seemed to think that they ever attained that perfection, at least from what I learned of them in this book.

Second, they had some weird views of how God directs His people. They used isolated verses from the Bible to confirm some of their decisions. For instance, while in Egypt, having gone there before sending for Biddy and Kathleen, Oswald was trying to figure out where they would live. I quote from the book, "Oswald possessed no funds to build but expected God to supply what he required. God confirmed the decision when Oswald dread the Daily Light verse that night, taken from 2 Chronicles 6:18: 'Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!'" That was just plain weird. I think that Chambers was highly in error in treating the Scriptures that way and that he was treading on dangerous ground. That type of hermeneutics seems to make people lean toward becoming modern false 'prophets'. Saying, "thus sayeth the Lord!" when the Lord has not said it (see Ezek 22:28). If the context of the Scriptures do not matter, and if we do not use a literal, grammatical, historical hermeneutic then the Scriptures can be made to say anything we want them to say!

And lastly, Biddy 'preached' at times, and that to men. She led some of the study sessions through the Bible (including leading some of the Sunday sessions), and had other studies while in Egypt. I am not sure if she used Oswald's lectures (reading them out loud as she often did for the classes she took over) or if she came up with her own. I felt rather uncomfortable with that as it goes against what the Bible says about women not speaking in a teaching position in an assembly of the church that includes men (and she mainly would have had men as her audience out there in Egypt).

Despite concerns like the above I still liked this biography, it was well written and quite interesting. And I still liked Biddy and Oswald overall and thought that they were good examples, especially in realizing the sovereignty of God in life, and their submission to whatever He ordained to happen in their lives (even recognizing His hand in the interruptions of daily life). I'll end with a quote (from Oswald I think) that I particularly liked, "We have to trust in God whether He sends us money or not, whether He gives us health or not. We must have faith in God, not in His gifts."

Many thanks to the folks at Baker Books for sending me a free review copy of this book (My review did not have to be favorable)!

[Jane Kirkpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Michele Ule's inspiring story " Mrs. Oswald Chambers" brings to life a devoted couple, a commitment to God and the fruit of lives lived by faith. If you haven't ever read the devotional that has touched millions of people, written by Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for his Highest" you'll want to after meeting the extraordinary couple. Michele uses her skills as a novelist to create the landscape, relationships and exacting work shown us in Biddy Chamber's commitment to God and to the work of her husband long after his death. This story speaks to God's faithfulness not only then but also now. This is a story of encouragement for difficult times no matter when or what those might be. Well done."

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story told in a compelling way. Extremely inspiring. Made me ashamed how little I have accomplished in my life and Christian walk.

[Charmel Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've given this a gift to many. It inspired me to write letters which I love to do anyway. What a great mission. I learned a lot about the woman behind the man and it is quite the story.

[Rachel Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read Mrs. Oswald Chambers: The Woman Behind the World's Bestselling Devotional, you're in for a treat. Her life is incredible and inspiring! Here are my top 7 reasons you should read this biography about Mrs. Oswald Chambers (aka "Biddy").

1. Do you worry that your limitations and weaknesses keep you from serving God? If you're sometimes discouraged by your physical, intellectual, or experiential limitations, this book will grab your heart within the first few chapters. Biddy was physically weak and ill as a young girl, and she was often unable to attend school. But God, in all of his wonderful love, used her limitations as a child to build specific gifts in her that she used in ministry for the rest of her life. Her weaknesses were, indeed, used for his glory!

2. Have you ever wondered how to serve God today, right where you're planted? Biddy ministered to people in big and small ways, wherever she found herself. She was a great helper to her husband and had her own unique ministry, right alongside his. She was the fitting helpmate in a natural way as she offered up her own specific gifts to support and compliment Oswald's work. She was the backbone of all Oswald did and the reason many people flocked to their home, wherever they lived.

3. Do you need encouragement as a wife? Oswald and Biddy had a beautiful and very real marriage. Oswald was extremely busy preaching, teaching, writing, and traveling. Their marriage was strong and their love was deep, in the midst of hard work and busy schedules. They grew together in Christ and were always in unity in their mission and ministry. Their daily habits and routines for life and ministry were simple yet extremely profitable. Their marriage is a picture of a true partnership.

4. Do you struggle to strike a balance between motherhood and ministry? You will find that Biddy's style of mothering is just right. Oswald gave her wise counsel regarding her mothering early on (and reminded her of that precious calling regularly). Regardless of where they lived or how busy their ministry was, Biddy mothered her daughter in a gracious and loving way.

5. Do you worry about financial provision, retirement, or support for ministry? Biddy lived an entire lifetime of faith in the area of her finances. She never had a lot of money, but that didn't stop her from following God wherever he led or from being extremely generous to everyone she met. She trusted God and prayed for what they needed. Her life is a beacon of hope to those who long to serve God but worry about a regular income.

6. Do you wonder how you can serve God in your home? At your church? Hospitality was Biddy's gift. Part of Biddy's "magic" was the way she opened up her home, fed people, and invited people to come in for food and Bible time. She provided physical nourishment, advice, encouragement, and spiritual discipleship in the most natural way. People came from far distances to sit at her table and ask her advice, even in her old age. Her story will inspire you to serve Jesus in simple yet powerful ways with your own unique set of gifts.

7. Do you long to live a fuller life as a single woman or widow? Biddy was happy and contented for many years as a single young woman. She had a keen mind and diverse interests. After Oswald's death, she again led a fulfilling and fruitful life as a widow. She continued to use her unique gifts to carry on his work after his passing and is the sole reason his writings survive today. Though she never stopped missing Oswald, Biddy believed she had a mission to carry out and never flagged in her passion or determination to see it accomplished.

This book is beautifully written and well-researched. It contains spiritual lessons and lively anecdotes, giving a full picture of Biddy's entire life and ministry. This is the kind of biography that tells a story; thus, it is easy to pick up and hard to put down.

I received a copy of this book from Baker in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Bethany McIlrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

She spent years serving God beside her husband- only to go on serving God with her husband’s words for decades after he died. God used them together- even after Oswald went to heaven!
God’s work through Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Chambers is clearly outlined in Michelle Ule’s new biography: Mrs. Oswald Chambers.

The biography is written (mostly) in chronological order. While the focus is on Biddy, as Mrs. Chambers was called, many insights about Oswald are included. Everything from the meeting to their love story to their final days together is recorded with clarity.

Ule appears to have been thorough in her research, piecing together facts and stories to create a singular account out of fragmented records. Inferences are noted, along with suggestions of what may fill in some blacks in the account. Stories about Biddy’s personality and dedication to giving her best for the Lord are peppered throughout.

The result is an easy-to-read, inspiring story about the woman behind classics like My Utmost for His Highest.

Peeks into the insights about Biddy offered in the biography include:

-Humble but witty, Biddy once posted a sign for students: “Notice: ‘All service ranks the same with God.’ You are requested to kindly do your part in keeping this room tidy. If you do not, someone else will have to.”
-“Biddy chose to look at events from God’s point of view in every situation of her life.”
-“Biddy waited and prayed while Oswald mused in his diary about whether she missed him as much as he missed her.”
-“Biddy’s ministry of interruptions continued, as valuable as ever.”

In keeping with the mission of both Oswald and Biddy Chambers, Ule ensures the focus of the biography is a testimony to God’s glory. The entire account reads as one story knit into the greater story of God. The true Author of the Chambers’ faith is credited over and over.

Biddy’s faithfulness is the sort I aspire to. As she and Oswald Chamber’s testimonies continue to impact my own, I highly recommend this biography to others. Their story of God’s love and steadfastness convicts, awes, and stirs to praise!

I pray that anyone who reads this biography is as convicted and encouraged in the Lord as I have been reading through the Chamber’s collaborative works.

[Evelyn Lilyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Oswald Chambers has easily become one of my favorite Christian biographies. Absolutely loved it from the first to the last page! Not to mention, the pictures in the middle of the book are a great detail to the story.

The book centers around Biddy Chambers but talks a great deal about Oswald Chambers himself. The research behind the book is astounding! You can tell a lot of careful time and hard work was put into the writing. The author's storytelling is very engaging; told from the third point view with glimpses into Ms. Ule's imagination.

It spans from Biddy's childhood all throughout her adult years, meeting, marrying Oswald, ministering together, to his death and the preparing of all the books to her death and the death of their daughter Kathleen.

Reading Mrs. Oswald Chambers was a humbling read drawing many emotions from happiness to sadness back happiness. Mrs. Ule has done a great service to the Christian community through this book. In this day and age of hard to find ministers and Bible teachers who teach the sound Biblical Doctrine, it's very refreshing to read about all those who lived the simple, humble Christian life. This is why I enjoy the ministries of 16th-early 20th-century preachers and teachers.

The Chambers were a very humble couple of great faith. They put their complete trust in God and God was always faithful to provide their needs. Biddy was an admirable woman of God who continued her husband's ministry after his death while raising their daughter alone. Real stories like this one boost my faith and are an inspiration in my walk of faith.

Being in my mid-twenties I had only heard Oswald Chambers referenced a handful of times by preachers and knew very little about him. I had heard about My Utmost for His Highest but had never really paid much attention to it. After reading small excerpts from the devotional and from Oswald's other works, I'm convinced that I NEED to read them all! After finishing this biography I quickly ordered a copy of My Utmost for His Highest and can't wait to start reading it!

Thank you, Ms. Ule, for writing this book, all your hard work was well worth it! I highly, highly recommend this book! 5 stars out of 5 and 10 out of 10!

I received a copy of this book from Baker in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Leann · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the 100th year of Oswald Chamber’s death is recognized this year (2017) Michelle Ule has presented us with an inspiring testimony of the life of Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Chambers, their daughter Kathleen and how the popular devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest came to be.

This is a wonderful biography about the woman behind the written works of Oswald Chambers. Gertrude Annie Hobbs Chambers became affectionately known by all as “Biddy” Chambers. It was a nickname that Oswald gave to her as a shortened version of the original name he gave her… Beloved Disciple. Beloved Disciple became BD and then “Biddy.”

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!