Before They Call by Mrs. M. E. Bodwell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 16, 1915

Before They Call

By Mrs. M. E. Bodwell

MRS. M. E. BODWELL

A WOMAN driving through a misting rain in a Western State suddenly discovered that a heavy farm wagon had collided with the light vehicle in which she was riding, and had crushed one of its wheels.

With what seemed to be a note of genuine regret in his voice, the owner of the wagon said, “I’m sorry, lady,”—and drove on.

A stranger in the country,—four miles from any one she knew, and nine miles from where she wished to go,—what should she do? What could she do? It was easy to cry, but it occurred to her to pray. This she did. Telling the Lord that had she been more careful, this need not have happened, and reminding him that it is our need that recommends us most to him, she asked help to get out of the unfortunate predicament in which she found herself.

In a short time, some friends who lived twenty-six miles from where she was going, but who were bound for the same place, drove up, and took her into their comfortable carriage. A kind farmer, who followed close behind, fastened the disabled vehicle to his wagon, and led her horse to town.

“I do not know why we came this way,” said the man and his wife.

“I do,” answered the woman; “it was in direct answer to prayer. I had just been praying for the Lord to help me out of this trouble, and he has done more than I asked.”

“But,” said the man and his wife, “we started at six o’clock this morning.” It was then nearly noon. Like a flash the precious words of the prophet came to mind, and she slowly repeated them, “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer.”

Needy, trembling souls, ask God for what you most desire. Ask in faith, “nothing doubting,” and always with the spirit of submission to the divine will. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” We are assured that those who “wait on the Lord” shall never be ashamed. The answer may be more than six hours in reaching you, but it will surely come when you most need it.

Boulder, Colo.