A Bawling Angel?
Matthew 19:26 - Jesus looked straight at them and answered, "This is impossible for man, but for God everything is possible." (GNB)
Numbers 22:28 - Then the Lord gave the donkey the power of speech, and it said to Balaam, "What have I done to you? Why have you beaten me these three times?" (GNB)
One fine autumn day a few years ago, the wife of one of our church elders was going about her household activities when her attention was drawn to the persistent bawling of a cow in the neighbouring field. What on earth could be causing such unwonted behaviour? Curiosity drove her outside where she saw her husband lying on the ground beside the ladder on which he had been standing to clean out the eavestroughs on their two-storey home. The cow was immediately quiet and wandered off.
Within a short time, the paramedics from the neighbouring town were on hand with all the equipment and skill needed to convey the elder safely to hospital. There, the cumbersome halo that protects broken neck bones from damaging the spinal cord was carefully placed, and the severely injured and very painful big toe was cared for. Many prayers were sent heavenward on behalf of this faithful elder. Today, we rejoice that our elder is still actively serving our congregation, praising God that the only noticeable evidence of the traumatic experience is an increase in the neck size of his shirts.
Just recently at the concluding session of a confirmation class for a group of young people, one of the girls asked if God ever showed Himself to people today. One of the mentors of the group recited this incident as a way in which God can show Himself. To our surprise, another mentor recalled how her grandfather had been stranded in deep snow in an isolated northern part of the province and could not extricate himself. His voice could not reach the ears of anyone who might help. However, his horse began to neigh with the same persistence as the cow had bawled, and help finally arrived on the scene. Unfortunately, this man lost his leg as a result of that exposure to the elements, but his life was spared so that his granddaughter could tell his story.
We are so fortunate that we have a God who can work through even His dumb creatures to help His children. Balaam was chastised by his donkey in order that God's people might not be led astray. Truly, with God, all things are possible.
Dear Lord, how grateful we are that You are constantly watching over us and can use even Your dumb creatures to speak for us. Amen.
Helen Marr
Matthew 19:26 - Jesus looked straight at them and answered, "This is impossible for man, but for God everything is possible." (GNB)
Numbers 22:28 - Then the Lord gave the donkey the power of speech, and it said to Balaam, "What have I done to you? Why have you beaten me these three times?" (GNB)
One fine autumn day a few years ago, the wife of one of our church elders was going about her household activities when her attention was drawn to the persistent bawling of a cow in the neighbouring field. What on earth could be causing such unwonted behaviour? Curiosity drove her outside where she saw her husband lying on the ground beside the ladder on which he had been standing to clean out the eavestroughs on their two-storey home. The cow was immediately quiet and wandered off.
Within a short time, the paramedics from the neighbouring town were on hand with all the equipment and skill needed to convey the elder safely to hospital. There, the cumbersome halo that protects broken neck bones from damaging the spinal cord was carefully placed, and the severely injured and very painful big toe was cared for. Many prayers were sent heavenward on behalf of this faithful elder. Today, we rejoice that our elder is still actively serving our congregation, praising God that the only noticeable evidence of the traumatic experience is an increase in the neck size of his shirts.
Just recently at the concluding session of a confirmation class for a group of young people, one of the girls asked if God ever showed Himself to people today. One of the mentors of the group recited this incident as a way in which God can show Himself. To our surprise, another mentor recalled how her grandfather had been stranded in deep snow in an isolated northern part of the province and could not extricate himself. His voice could not reach the ears of anyone who might help. However, his horse began to neigh with the same persistence as the cow had bawled, and help finally arrived on the scene. Unfortunately, this man lost his leg as a result of that exposure to the elements, but his life was spared so that his granddaughter could tell his story.
We are so fortunate that we have a God who can work through even His dumb creatures to help His children. Balaam was chastised by his donkey in order that God's people might not be led astray. Truly, with God, all things are possible.
Dear Lord, how grateful we are that You are constantly watching over us and can use even Your dumb creatures to speak for us. Amen.
Helen Marr
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