God’s Handwriting
Hamas’ October 7 gruesome attacks against Israel threw the world in a spiral. Since then, many of us have been glued to our televisions, phones, and other news channels. Every day, the Israel-Hamas war brings fear inducing news that turn our stomachs into a gnarled mess. Each passing day of the war brings us closer to God in desperation. Knowing that God cares and loves humanity deeply, we are now turning to the scriptures, diligently looking for encouragement and hope. After all, doesn’t He love to speak and comfort His children especially at their deepest time of need?
I came across the following Dick Hillis Story and it reminded me that there is no better assurance and comfort than God’s word in all seasons of life, especially in calamitous times like these:
“Missionaries Dick and Margaret Hillis found themselves caught in China during the Japanese invasion. The couple lived with their two children in the inland town of Shenkiu. The village was tense with fear, for every day brought terrifying reports of the Japanese advance. At the worst possible time, Dick developed appendicitis, and he knew his life depended on making the long journey to the hospital. On January 15, 1941, with deep foreboding, Margaret watched him leave.
Soon the Chinese colonel came with the news. The enemy was near, and townspeople must evacuate. Margaret shivered, knowing that one-year-old Johnny and two-month-old Margaret Anne would never survive as refugees. So, she stayed put. Early next morning she tore the page from the wall calendar and read the new day's Scripture. It was Psalm 56:3 -- What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
The town emptied during the day, and the next morning Margaret arose, feeling abandoned. The new verse on the calendar was Psalm 9:10 -- Thou, Lord, has not forsaken them that seek thee.
The next morning, she arose to distant sounds of gunfire and worried about food and her children. The calendar verse was Genesis 50:21 -- I will nourish you and your little ones. An old woman suddenly popped in with a pail of steaming goat's milk, and another straggler arrived with a basket of eggs.
Through the day, sounds of warfare grew louder, and during the night Margaret prayed for deliverance. The next morning, she tore the page from the calendar to read Psalm 56:9 -- When I cry unto Thee, then shall my enemies turn back. The battle was looming closer, and Margaret didn't go to bed that night. Invasion seemed imminent. But the next morning, all was quiet. Suddenly, villagers began returning to their homes, and the colonel knocked on her door. For some reason, he told her, the Japanese had withdrawn their troops. No one could understand it, but the danger had passed. They were safe.
Margaret glanced at her wall calendar and felt she had been reading the handwriting of God.” (The Dick Hillis Story- Steel in His Soul)
Friend, as we pray for all the pressing needs around us, let us remember that God’s word is a fountain of comfort and strength.
In His love,
Jahan
We are in a critical time in history for the nation of Israel. Want to engage more?
Subscribe to receive updates and join exclusive webinars or view resources from our archives page
Connect with us on social media
Support our work and education initiatives
