Chapter VIII

He Would Enrich

"A Covert From the Storm." Isaiah 4:6

A happy vacation was spent in a cottage alone, in a strange town. The neighbours were absent. The first night there was what sounded like tramping on the roof. At first it made me uncomfortable. Then I remembered I was not alone. The Lord had provided that holiday for me and I put myself in His care and slept.

Next morning I saw a foot bridge, across a creek. It made a short cut between two streets. That was the solution.

The following night a terrific gale blew. The cottage was on beautiful grounds were many large stately elms, oaks, and maples grew. It seemed that night that one of those trees would come crashing down on the cottage. As I talked to the Lord and claimed His precious promises, I sensed His Presence very near me. I knew He had not brought me there for my hurt.

The third night there was a severe electric storm. Once again, giving myself into the care of my Heavenly Father, the peace and calm were wonderful, and my sleep sweet. Proverbs 4:24, "When thou liest down thou shalt not be afraid; yea thou shalt lie down and thy sleep shall be sweet."

The hymn I had known from childhood kept going through my mind, "Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast, There by His love o'er shaded, Sweetly my soul shall rest." We used to connect those words with death but I am convinced we can appropriate them in this world, also.

Next day, the rain ceased, the sun shone, the neighbours returned. What a delightful vacation was mine! The dear people who owned the cottage and lent it to me, are still my friends.

Not for anything would I be without the experience of those three nights. They gave to me that blessed time which I shouldn't have received had I been at home without any sense of danger. That wasn't the only time I had such an experience. Yes, though danger surrounds us we can have the serenity that comes to those who put their trust in Him. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee," Isaiah 26:3. Even though it be illness, grief or affliction, we can say we would not have been without them at the expense of missing the great blessings which enriched us.

"Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage." Psalm 27

I had sold my home. It was necessary to locate a room. Unless one has gone through this trial, one can never know what a hardship it can be. Answering "Ads," going up and downstairs only to see a room, a run down place at a high price. Residential districts meant nothing. All of which I was not well enough to be doing.

One night, worn out in mind and body, I told my Heavenly Father that if He had a place for me in the country, I should be so happy and thankful.

A day or two later, a stranger phoned me and introduced herself. She was a retired missionary and her cousin had offered her the use of their home for the summer, in the country, with the privilege of taking a friend.

Not knowing anyone she could invite she acted on the suggestion of one who told her about me. I gladly accepted, telling her I would take it as an answer to prayer.

It was a delightful summer. I made Christian friendships, still lasting. Florence and I are close friends.

Another time I was visiting my sister, up north. Toward the close of the visit, wishing to stop off at some lodge on the way home, I wrote to several places. One morning I picked up the only newspaper I saw, while there. There was a Christian Conference advertised. I wrote, received a favorable reply. I heard from every place to which I had written, except one, and that was where I wished to spend a week.

The day came that I must make a decision. I wired the Christian Conference, making reservation. The next morning, word came from the place I had not heard from, "Accommodation available." My sister remarked, "It is too bad you did not hear before." "No," I replied. "It is not too bad. I asked the Lord to open the right door and close the wrong one."

Later, I learned that the train I would have taken, had I gone to the other place, was in a wreck. Oh yes, we can trust God every time.

When I arrived at the depot, nearest the Conference grounds, I phoned for directions. The next day the secretary told me, the Director had just finished writing a second letter to me, when the phone rang. When he hung up the receiver, he said, "That is the quickest answer to prayer I ever received." It was an answer both ways.

I had a time of real spiritual fellowship at the Conference. One friend I made became a very dear friend. She had gone there hoping, because it was Christian, that she would find friendliness. She had been lonely in Toronto. That friendship in itself, was a recompense for my having gone there.

Elsie Broadfoote, has since gone to be with the Lord. There was an outstanding incident in her life, which was proof beyond measure, of the tender, loving care our Father bestows upon us without our volition. I am confident there were many incidents in her life.