Providences of the Great War

 I found a jewel! It is titled, Providences of the Great War, by W. A. Spicer. And in case you are wondering - the war referenced is World War I because it was published in 1923.

This inspiring collection of stories is categorized into geographical sections such as Eastern Europe, Siberian Experiences, Through the War Years in Russia, In Moslem Lands and so on. Altogether they create a beautiful picture of God's faithful care for those who trust Him no matter how dark their circumstances may seem.

Stories of. . .

When a Sabbath morning air-raid passed over a group praying in a London church. And a more than four foot long bomb pierced through the flagstone walkway nearby to a depth of 9 feet without detonating.

A hen coming out into open battlefields each day to lay an egg beside a fallen soldier for almost a week until he was rescued and taken to a hospital.

A man who rejoiced in a lengthy solitary confinement because it provided an undisturbed time for prayer and study.

How an entire regiment stopped for Sabbath because of the prayer of one faithful heart.

Of being bought in a slave market - only to be set free. . . and so many other rich accounts of God's intervention.

God does not stop every bomb or intervene to prevent the death of every fallen soldier. The grief and destruction brought on by human depravity is staggering. Throughout the ages many people have asked, "Where is God in war?" Countless battles have been fought because one or both sides believed they had the divine right or destiny to destroy the other. Providences of the Great War presents in kaleidoscope form powerful personal testimonies to the sovereignty and grace of God.

Who, as the old hymn says, "keeps watch above His own" in a beautiful provision that ignores national boundaries, human prejudice, and political agendas.

"Though the cause of evil prosper, Yet 'tis truth alone is strong; 

Though her portion be the scaffold, And upon the throne be wrong;

Yet that scaffold sways the future, And, behind the dim unknown, 

Standeth God within the shadow, Keeping watch above His own."

"These are not stories of war. They are stories of deliverances amidst war. They teach the lesson of trust in God in times of distress and trouble - a lesson that can never be too well learned."