Joan ran out of the house with a happy smile. Her mother had sent her on a message; she was always eager to run messages for Mother.
But just ten minutes later poor Joan was carried home again by two strong men. Her eyes were closed and she was moaning.
“I think you ought to get the doctor right away, Mrs. Best. Some rough boys were throwing stones, and one of them hit your little girl right in the eye. I am afraid it is injured badly.”
With an anxious voice Mrs. Best called the doctor, and in a very short time he came in the front door.
He did his best to make poor Joan feel more comfortable, and then he took a look at the injured eye.
“It was a cruel blow,” he said, “but I believe I can repair the damage.”
Then he turned to Joan. “This will hurt you, I’m afraid, but I hope you will be brave.”
“I’ll try.”
“Are you ready now?”
“Just one minute and I’ll be ready.”
Bravely, her little voice rang out, “‘Please God, forgive the little boy who threw that stone. And please help me to bear the pain bravely. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.’ I’m ready now.”
I am glad to tell you that the eye got better, and I am sure you will admit that Joan was a patient and brave girl. But I wonder if you ever think of speaking to God and to the Lord Jesus like Joan did? God loves you, and He is listening all the time to everything you say. Perhaps you say things sometimes that you would not want God to hear, but He hears just the same.
Joan often spoke to God, because she knew that He loved her, and she knew the Lord Jesus as her Saviour. This is the very beginning of all real happess in your life. If you have not yet taken the Lord Jesus into your heart, you ought to do so right now. And if you are one of His saved ones, then you can turn to Him at all times for help in time of need.
ML 05/20/1956