I recently read a biography of an amazing Chinese Christian, of whom I had become acquainted only a few years ago when I started reading about Christianity in China, in books like David Aikman’s Jesus in Beijing and Safely Home by Randy Alcorn. Watchman Nee was referenced in those books, which led me to read one of his books called The Character of God’s Workman. I was impressed with his depth of spirituality written in simple terms that the average Christian could understand. However, I didn’t know much about Watchman’s life until I read this biography by Bob Laurent.
This biography is filled with Watchman’s teachings and writings, which I found amazing and inspiring. As a third generation Christian, Watchman’s spiritual depth is something I attain to but know I have not even remotely reached. He studied the Scriptures 30 different ways and devoted himself to prayer, preaching, and discipleship of believers.
He chose a life of poverty and suffered much heartache, disease, and false accusations in his lifetime. The book was heartbreaking to read at times, as he faced injustice over and over without saying a word. Asked why he never defended himself, Watchman replied,
“If people trust us, there is no need to explain; if people do not trust us, there is no use in explaining.”
Watchman’s words of wisdom are found throughout this book, including this truth: “Nothing hurts so much as dissatisfaction with our circumstances. God knows what He is doing and there is nothing accidental in the life of the believer. Nothing but good can come to those who are wholly His.”
In describing his conversion, the biography included this testimony:
“Previously, I had laughed at those who believed in the Lord, but that evening I could not laugh. Instead, I wept and confessed my sins. I prayed for the first time and had my first experience of joy and peace.” Furthermore, Watchman committed his life to Christ by stating, “He would deliver me not only from sin but also from the world.”
At the end of his life, Watchman would languish in a small prison cell, physically broken but still leading others to the Lord. It is interesting to note that Watchman never viewed his imprisonment as punishment for preaching the gospel but rather as a platform for the same.
What Watchman had preached so passionately to others was completely realized in his death:
“To what are we committed? Not to Christian work, but to the will of God, to be and to do whatever He pleases. The path of every Christian has been already marked out by God. Men go, but the Lord remains. God Himself takes away His workers, but He gives others. Our work suffers, but never His. He is still God.”
May our faith and commitment to God be strengthened by the example of godly men and women who have come before us.
Lisa (aka Morning Rose) has been teaching her two elementary-aged sons for four years and incorporating study, work, service, and play into their homeschooling days. She enjoys reading, writing, and photography and blogs publicly at Pockets of Time and privately at Scooter and B.
Although I’ve read quotes by Watchman Nee through the years, I’ve never read his biography. It sounds like a good book to read that will not only inspire us, but challenge us in our own faith!
Thanks, Lisa!
Blessings,
Tammy ~@~
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Wonderful post. I have been a Watchman Nee reader for years. Some of his books are among my favorite possessions. Some of them I re-read regularly. Thanks for sharing!
Darnelle’s last blog post..betcha haven’t
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It sounds like an excellent read…and he sounds like a true warrior for Christ.
I have actually been on the lookout for a good biography but had no clue where to start. What a God-send. Thank you Lisa!
Christin’s last blog post..In a Rut
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I have just started reading Watchman Nee’s books and I must say it has changed my life completely. He was truly a Man of God. I am on the look out for more of his books and try and get his autobiography.
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Lisa V. Reply:
October 13th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
I found his writing to be life changing also. I should read more of his books too!
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Hi,blessings to you all,I am excited to find a place to share a hunger for more of Jesus with you all.If you are hungry for clarity of truth you will find Watchman Nee a real treat,The bible of course is the only absolute truth ,but God made men of God to help others understand this.I have been reading this for years and I’m sure when I get to speak,it will have some of this flavor to it.I would start anyone with The Normal Christian Life by Nee,this is an exposition of Romans ,and will explain more than you can contain.Read it slow,put it down and then read it again and it will amaze you.Another excellent book is The Pursuit of God by A.W.Tozer,this will create a hunger in you !!! Eternal life is our destiny,and Gods’ heart is that none would perish.We are not here to retire and have a picket fence.I would encourage you to get excited about Jesus and His plan for your life.I have not found another author that is heavy ,but simple enough to put in shoeleather,as Vernon Magee would say !!! Consider this,God is so wanting a bride—in Genesis two ,before sin existed God put Adam to sleep to give him a bride——God put Jesus to sleep to give Him a bride—-That is us !!! Isn’t that exciting,and in ephesians 5:27 We are being presented as a bride without spot or blemish,so that is how He sees us now !!! George Pager 360-992-7111 God Bless P/S Don’t waste your money on books from today,they mostly have an agenda for works..We believe,and Jesus finished the work at the Cross ,and we enter that rest,stay on call,and let the Holy Sprit lead you ……….
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Praise God.i hv been in the faith for about 5 yrs now.Recently,i sensed the desire to Have an intimate relationship with God.I began to search for books that would help satisfy me.I got hold of Watchman’s book and it was like God Himself had laid those books in my hands.i have begun a collection of His books.Now,im reading THE SPIRITUAL MAN and honestly I strongly believe God revealed Himself to him concerning that project.We thank God for Watchman as a gift and look forward to seeing him in Heaven.God bless
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I have not read The Spiritual Man but am in possession of The Life That Wins. Looking forward to reading that book this summer.
Lisa V.´s last blog ..Word-filled Wednesday – Teaching
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