The brick wall of a well dug by a farmer ended in a narrow ledge many feet below ground level, just above the water line. One day he heard the pitiful cries of a little kitten that had fallen into the well. It was clinging to the ledge, unable to climb up the sheer brick wall and unwilling to release its claws’ tenuous, desperate grip on the slippery bricks.
The farmer got a bucket and gently lowered it into the well, beneath the kitten. The frightened little creature, seeing the empty, dry bucket hanging just below where it stood, fearfully and tentatively reached out its little paw, only to quickly draw back.
While continuing its heart-rending cries, the kitten stubbornly refused to release its hold on the ledge and trust the bucket. But finally, after a long time—exhausted and about to slip back into the water—it hesitantly ventured closer to the bucket. There was a soft bump, and by the weight of the bucket the farmer knew the kitten had committed itself to its safety. Moments later the little creature was set free from the gloomy depths of the well.
Perhaps most who have read this little account can easily put themselves in the place of the little kitten. One finds that it is very easy to talk about faith but hard to let go of natural reasonings and trust God when things look bleak.
Hebrews 11 is a wonderful confirmation of the blessings and rewards of faith. There we learn how Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and so many others acted by faith in dark and confusing times. We are also reminded of Hezekiah, whose life of faith—recorded three times in the Bible (2 Kings 18; 2 Chron. 29; Isa. 36)—is not mentioned in Hebrews 11.
This godly king experienced attacks from enemies, rejection and insults from brethren, and serious illness. Though there was failure, we also see times in his life which shine as bright examples of simple faith and confidence in Jehovah.
One of Hezekiah’s greatest tests of faith came when all appeared hopeless. Jerusalem was surrounded by an implacable enemy—the army of the Assyrian, Sennacherib. Though Hezekiah tried to placate the wicked monarch by giving in to his greedy demands, the Assyrian was still not satisfied. Hezekiah found himself, as it were, about to slip off the ledge into the dark waters of destruction.
But the king’s faith held firm. Admitting their dire straits (2 Kings 19), he says to the prophet, “There is not strength to bring forth. . . . Lift up thy prayer for the remnant.” Dear Hezekiah and his people found safety in the bucket that was provided by Jehovah for their rescue. The answer comes back in these words, “Be not afraid.” A bit later, the Lord tells Hezekiah, “I will defend this city, to save it, for Mine own sake.” Let us put into practice the thoughts of the little hymn we often sing, “We’ll praise Him for all that is past, and trust Him for all that’s to come” (Little Flock Hymnbook, #23).
Ed. (adapted from Gems From My Reading)