Hannah lived on a mission compound in West Africa with some other missionaries. She enjoyed visiting women and children in the surrounding villages, telling them about the love of God that sent the Lord Jesus Christ down from heaven to die for sinners. These women were glad for Hannah’s visits, because she was kind and often helped them when they needed something. Since she was their friend, they listened to the words she read from the Bible. Some gave up their heathen religion and received the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.
Wild animals often prowled around in the forests near Hannah’s house. Although she lived alone in a small house, she trusted the Lord to protect her, and He did. “God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid” (Isaiah 12:22Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)).
One night Hannah thought she heard an animal trying to get into the cattle shelter which was close to her house. She lighted a lantern and set it outside to frighten the animal away. Going back into the house, she suddenly stopped. There was a lion looking in the back window at her! She thought it was going to jump right through the window into the room! Hannah quickly ran out the front door, slamming it shut. At the same time, she heard the crash of glass as the lion jumped through the window! She screamed for help!
The men on the compound came running with their rifles. They slowly opened the door to Hannah’s house with their rifles ready. Where was the lion? They carefully searched each room but found no trace of the lion, except for the shattered window pane and blood. It must have gone out the same way it came in when it found nothing to eat.
Hannah was saved from danger by running away from the lion as soon as she saw it. She could have tried to fight it, but she knew the lion was too strong for her. She needed help.
Satan is a very strong enemy too, and none of us can fight him alone. But the Lord Jesus Christ has defeated Satan; He has already won the victory for us. We can run to Him for salvation and protection. Have you run to Him for safety? He wants to save you right now. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:88Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8)). “Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:2525The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. (Proverbs 29:25)).
ML-07/03/2005