It was a time of war, and it was expected that whenever a short peace, or truce, had come to an end, parties of cruel soldiers would take possession of the homes and property. The people of the little town were specially afraid when the truce was to end.
Beyond the town, close to the main road, on the way-side where the soldiers would enter, was a solitary house, larger and better than the poor cottages near it.
A godly old woman lived there, who knew, and trusted in the Lord. She was frequently in prayer, that God would raise up a wall around them, so as to protect them from the enemy.
Her daughter, who was a widow, and one grandson lived with her.
“Grandmother,” said the boy, one morning “what do you mean by praying that the Lord would build a wall around our house? Can you be so foolish as to believe that He will do such an impossibility?”
“My son,” she replied, “I did not intend exactly what I said, but only desired that the Lord would defend us, and our town by any means. But you know, dear, nothing is impossible with Him. And if He wills, could He not do even this very thing?
The night came—a terrible night, such a storm of wind and snow. Soon those in the solitary house, knew by the trampling of horses, and sounds of shooting and shouting, that the enemy was nearing the unhappy town. There was much terror in many homes, but the heart of the dear “Grandmother” was calm and peaceful.
No one even knocked at the door. When daylight, appeared, they soon discovered the secret of their escape: The wind had drifted an immense mass of snow between them and the road, so that those passing by, could not come near the dwelling.
“My son,” said the old “Grandmother,” “do you not see now how easy it was for the Lord to raise a wall around us?”
Surely none of those in “The Guarded House” would ever forget that night, and I am sure they thanked the Lord for so graciously preserving them.
How comforting for God’s true children to know that He can never slumber nor sleep, and is ever watchful over His own.
He will keep you, dear children, in your little trials, if you bring them to Jesus in prayer.
ML 01/18/1931