It was a Saturday morning, and everything in the Children's Home in India was in commotion. It had been definitely planned to take lunch and go to the riverside that afternoon, letting the children have a good time out in the open air. They were so happy about it all. But it was understood the work must all be done up nicely before going--so they were doing their very best. Everyone who was large enough was putting their strength right into the work, and planning on a wonderful time that afternoon.

No sooner was dinner over, than the clouds began to gather and the sky darkened. Then the rain began to fall. What a disappointment it was to all. But these dear children had before this learned that God was their Father, and also that He definitely answers prayer--for those who trust in Him. It was not many moments until the children themselves had a conference, and then away they went, some to one bedroom and some to another. They began praying, but every few moments some child would slip out on the verandah to look up at the sky to see if it was clearing. And sure enough, the rain suddenly stopped, and then although the sky was still dark, the faith of these children could not be daunted. God, their Father, had answered their prayers and stopped the rain, and could they not trust Him to finish what He had begun? They insisted that it would not rain and began getting ready. So we honored their faith, and started. However, at that time we had a sister missionary from another part of India visiting in the Home, and she took her umbrella with her. The children remonstrated, but her faith was not equal to the test. The children, knowing they had asked "in faith" for God to clear the day so they could go, and He had stopped the rain, they were certain He would not then disappoint them. Why should anyone take with them something to protect them against the rain--just as if they did not expect a full answer. (This is the way the most of God's grown up children do.)

The riverside was soon reached and oh, what a joyful time they all had! They played and sang had their lunch and near night they all returned to the Home. Not a drop of rain had fallen during all that time, giving them a happy afternoon in answer to prayer. But just as they entered the Home the rain began pouring down and it rained all that night. This was even more convincing to the children that God had in His plan an afternoon of rain, but He held it back in answer to their childish prayer of faith.

What a lesson to these dear little ones. They could never forget it, and it was deeply engraved on the tables of their hearts that God loves to answer prayer. This should be a lesson to the Lord's BIG children also, and we should all take Him at His Word, rest on His promises, and honor Him by asking largely that our joy may be full, and also that His dear name may be lifted up among the people.

Back To Haven On Earth