Someone went to see a Christian engineer who had just had his thumb cut off by a saw. The poor fellow was in great pain, and said to his friend,
“I see no use in taking off a man’s thumb.” The visitor replied,
“Well, George, we may not see the use of it, but it says in Psalms 18:3030As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. (Psalm 18:30), ‘As for God, His way is perfect;’ so we may know that the taking off of your thumb is perfect.”
The engineer was silent, and was much struck by what his friend said.
When he next called, George told him that God had used the word he had spoken to him and made him content with his misfortune. He added that he had thought much of a story of some passengers on a steamer, who were terrified at the speed they were going through a dense fog. At length they sent a deputation to remonstrate with the captain who was on the bridge over the deck. His reply was,
“Tell the passengers that it is all right; it is all clear up here.”
The fog was low down upon the water and covered the deck, but the captain could see over it.
“So,” said the engineer, “God speaks from the bridge in the 18th Psalm. ‘His way is perfect,’ and I will trust Him.”
Dear young Christians, may we all remember that there is blessing in taking all from the Lord’s hand, and trusting when we cannot understand. Let us not doubt the wisdom of Him, Who loves us with a perfect love.