Gobat was a Christian missionary among the Druses, in the mountains of Lebanon and Syria years ago. He was much persecuted, exposed to many dangers, and often greatly discouraged.
On one occasion, while he was journeying on foot over the mountains, he became discouraged at the thought of the many dangers and the little response there was on the part of the people. Feeling sad and in need of comfort, he resolved to stop and spend some time in prayer. Looking around for a suitable place, he found a cave in the side of the mountain. Entering deep into the cave, he was hid from view in the darkness. There he knelt down and poured out his heart to God in prayer. He told Him of all his dangers, his trials, and discouragements. He prayed that He would keep him in safety, and give him strength and comfort to go on with his work.
When he had finished his prayer, he looked around about him in the darkness of the cave, and lo! not far from him, over in the corner were two fierce eyes, glaring at him like balls of fire. It was a hyena with her young. Unknowingly, he had entered the den of that fierce creature, and where he knelt down to pray was only a few feet from her. Yet she had not stirred, nor offered to harm him.
It has been said that a hyena will not attack a man; however, Gobat did not know of this; at any rate, he was not at all sure if this was true of a mother hyena with her young. He left that cave and went on his way encouraged and comforted, thankful to God for keeping him from harm. He said to himself, “Surely God Who has kept me safe from a wild beast, will keep me safe from other evils, too.” Is this not a good illustration of the text: “Whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely.”
ML 09/01/1968