|
Editor’s Note: It’s hard
to imagine a world without Jesus Christ; He has done so much
for us, despite our wayward ways. In these days of terror
and uncertainty, it is even more important that we ask for
His intercession and help. Faith and prayer are our two strongest
weapons against the evils and the ups and downs of the world,
as proven so many times in the past. While seeking articles
for this month’s TKC, I came across this little story
taken from The Covenant Message, South Africa, which is an
inspiring example of the power of prayer.
Three Scotch privates and a corporal had been cut off during
a fierce engagement in a Belgian town preceding Dunkirk. Taking
refuge in the loft of an empty house they waited for what
seemed to be certain death. Outside they heard men setting
fire to buildings, looting and shooting.
Suddenly the corporal said: “Lads, it is time for a
church parade, let’s have a wee bit of service here:
it may be our last.”
The men looked a bit astonished for a moment, but, after placing
their rifles in a corner, they stood to attention. The corporal
took a small New Testament from his breast pocket and turned
the pages. As he read, loud shouts came from below, doors
banged and glass was shattered. He went on reading and as
he ended, his grave face took on a wry smile.
“I’m no’ a good hand at this job,”
he said, “but we must finish it off. Let us pray.”
The corporal stood with the Testament in his hand. The others
kneeled and bowed their heads. A little haltingly and very
simply he committed their way to God and asked for strength
to meet whatever might happen, like men.
Suddenly as he prayed, a heavy hand crashed upon the door.
An exultant exclamation in German was heard and then a gasp
of surprise. Not a man moved and the corporal went on praying,
After a pause he began, with great reverence, to repeat the
Lord’s Prayer in which the privates joined. It was a
tense moment or two.
Then, hearing the sudden click of heels, they knew the enemy
was standing at attention. A moment of suspense, the door
was quietly closed, and they heard the retreating footsteps
of the German soldier.
At dusk the four men ventured out, worked around the enemy’s
flank, and regained the British outposts in safety that night.
|
