ON BOARD a vessel at sea, there was a young Christian sailor, who, in spite of the mockings of his companions, was in the habit of praying each evening on his knees. The other sailors were determined to make him stop, and began throwing various things at his bowed head.
The commotion in the sailors' quarters attracted the attention of an officer, who reported the whole unruly crowd to the captain of the vessel. The captain ordered them all to be brought before him. He began his inquiry by asking the young Christian what complaints he had.
"Sir," answered the sailor, "I have nothing to complain of."
"You need not be afraid to tell me," said the captain. But the young man insisted that he had no complaints to make.
The captain therefore dismissed them all.
Again the young man knelt down as usual, and this time he heard a quiet step behind him. He expected another blow from close-up, but the next moment the youngest sailor on board was kneeling beside him. Then came another, and another, until fourteen of those ungodly men were on their knees before God. What a grand result from a little quiet patient suffering for Christ's sake!
Memory Verse: "IF, WHEN YE DO WELL, AND SUFFER FOR IT, YE TAKE IT PATIENTLY, THIS IS ACCEPTABLE WITH GOD." I Peter 2:20.
Messages of the Love of God 4/6/1958