Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 NIV

Stephanie and her mother knelt to pray for her husband Grimez, a keeper of Silesian forests. She prayed for their safety and even for the robber chief who had vowed revenge on Grimez, for capturing the robber band. As they rose from prayer, Grimez arrived home. He laughed at their worry and prayers, preferring to trust in his strength, weapons and dogs. Grimez carefully checked the windows and doors before going to bed. In the morning, Grimez heard Stephanie gasp in horror as she went down to light the fire. There, lodged in table was a dagger, and a window was open. The only thing missing was the family Bible. Even Grimez had to admit that God had preserved them. Months passed and Grimez told Stephanie that war had broken out and he had to go and fight. “May God protect and keep you,” she said. The war raged long and hard, along the border with France. One day after a ferocious skirmish by a lake, a fisherman tried to help the wounded. There on the battlefield he found Grimez close to death. He took him home. When Grimez awoke he told them to call for his wife. Stephanie soon came, and for long months cared for her husband. Grimez spoke of his growing faith in God and his desire to serve him. When well enough, Stephanie offered the fisherman money for his help, but he refused. “I can’t take your money,” he said. “I owe you more than you owe me.” Then he brought out the family Bible. He was the robber chief. He explained how after hearing Stephanie’s prayer, even for him, instead of killing them in their beds, he had stolen the Bible and become a Christian. When we put our lives in the care of God, we can know for certain that the Almighty surrounds us. May you be under the shadow of his wings today.

photo by arvis-auris-pexels              (Humble apologies for not being able to recall the author of the book ‘The Stolen Bible and other stories.’)