SOME years ago, a lady entered a store and asked for an empty box, in which she wished to send some flowers to a friend. The storekeeper who was busy at the time, drew out a few boxes, found one empty and handed it to the lady, and thought no more about the matter.
Two months later the lady entered the store again, and reminded the storeman of the apparently unimportant occurrence. Then she told him that in the empty box there happened to be a picture tract, and thinking it might please her friend’s child, she allowed it to remain. Shortly afterward she received a note thanking her for the box of flowers, and saying that she could never thank her enough for the tract that was enclosed. She had been troubled for a long time about her soul, but had not been able to find rest and peace in Jesus. She had at length become so burdened, that her husband was concerned about her health.
Just when she was in her greatest distress, the box arrived. On unpacking it, the picture caught her attention. She had read the tract, and found in it that which met her need. God had through it, shown her that the work of Christ had been forever accomplished, and that for her, a sinner, there remained nothing to do but believe and rest on that work. And now, she was quite happy, knowing that the Lord had forgiven all her sins; and had made her suited for His glory.
The tract left in the supposed empty box was not by chance, my dear reader. God’s hand is in everything.
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.
ML-03/31/1935