Page 106 - Living Epistles

I have observed the Father’s hand of protection in similar ways among those
I have lived with. A couple years ago an elderly gentleman opened his home
up to me that I might stay with him whenever I was in town. He and his
grandson had been reading many of the writings I had written, and I had also
shared with them numerous biographical books of saints who had walked in
faith.

This gentleman has a very nice piece of property outside of town. He has 24
acres of land, a fishing pond and many trees on the property. It is a very idyllic
setting. From time to time people were given permission to fish in his pond,
and he even allowed some local churches and the rescue mission from the
nearby town to bring groups out to fish.

The thought arose that it might be prudent to take out an insurance policy to
protect this man and his property against loss from destruction, or from
someone being injured and filing suit against him. As he was considering this
the man’s grandson suggested to him that this was a test from God to see if He
would trust Him or look to man for his security. After careful consideration
and prayer the man chose not to purchase the insurance, but to leave the
matter in God’s hands.

Some months afterwards a tremendous storm came through the area. It was
on Mother’s Day, and there were numerous tornadoes in the area. There were
many trees and buildings damaged. On the road he lived on trees toppled and
telephone poles were snapped all along the way. I went out afterwards and saw
that the road was closed due to the damage all around, but as I walked across
this gentleman’s property I did not see any evidence of damage.

II Timothy 1:12
I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that
He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

The many trials that Hudson Taylor faced in earlier days served to lay a
foundation upon which his trust in God could rest. As the cares of the ministry
increased, he was able to remember the trials he had already been carried
through, looking to God with hope and expectation of continued care,
protection and provision. He wrote:

Feeling, on the one hand, the solemn responsibility that rests upon us, and on
the other the gracious encouragements that everywhere meet us in the Word