Day 338

December 4th
Acts 24:1-26:31.  “Rescue”
         “So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials…” (2 Peter 2:9a)
         The citizens of Feldkrich, Austria, didn’t know what to do.  Napoleon’s army was preparing to attack.  It was Easter morning and a council was summoned to the church to decide what to do.
         The pastor rose and said, “Friends we have been counting on our own strength, and apparently that has failed.  As this is the day of our Lord’s Resurrection, let us just ring the bells, have our services as usual, and leave the matter in His hands.  We know only our weakness and not the power of God to defend us.”  The council accepted his plan and the church bells rang.  The enemy, hearing the sudden peal, concluded that the Austrian army had arrived during the night to defend the town.  Before the service ended, the enemy broke camp and left.
            Do you trust in God’s strength for your protection and in His providential care for your life, or do you trust in your own strength?  May you know the power of God to rescue and defend you when trials come.