September 25

Unafraid because of trust

“I will trust, and not be afraid” (Isa. 12:2).
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” (Psa. 56:3).

One Christian Scotsman said to another, “Man, I got a most comforting text today. Listen to this: ‘What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.’” The other smiling, answered, “I have found one better. ‘I will trust and not be afraid.’”
The secret of such a trust is revealed in the following incident as told by Vaughan: “A military officer being in a dreadful storm, his lady, who was sitting in the cabin near him, and filled with alarm for the safety of the vessel, was so surprised at his composure that she cried out, ‘My dear, are you not afraid?


How is it possible you can be so calm in such a storm?’ He arose from a chair lashed to the deck and drew his sword. Pointing it to his wife’s breast he said, ‘Are you not afraid?’ She instantly replied, ‘No, certainly not.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Because I know the sword is in the hand of my husband, and he loves me too well to hurt me.’ ‘Then,’ said he, ‘remember, I know Whom I have believed, and He holds the winds in His fist, and the waters in the hollow of His hand.’”

Afraid? Of what?
To feel the spirit’s glad release?
To pass from pain to perfect peace,
The strife and strain of life to cease?
Afraid—of that?

Afraid? Of what?
Afraid to see the Savior’s face,
To hear His welcome, and to trace
The glory gleam from wounds of grace?
Afraid—of that?

Afraid? Of what?
A flash—a crash—a pierced heart;
Darkness—light—O Heaven’s art!
A wound of His a counterpart!
Afraid—of that?

Afraid? Of what?
To do by death what life could not—
Baptize with blood a stony plot,
Till souls shall blossom from the spot?
Afraid—of that?
—E. H. Hamilton.
(The above poem was a favorite of John and Betty Stam who gave their lives for Christ in China).

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