How a Watchful Providence Sent Relief by W. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 6, 1911

How a Watchful Providence Sent Relief

By W. A. S.

At a camp-meeting in Switzerland, some of the workers were speaking of special providences by which a loving Father has shown his watchful care for his children. The subject led Dr. P. A. De Forest, superintendent of our Lake Geneva Sanitarium, at Gland, to tell of an experience in which the intervening providence of God brought help to him in his student days. Asked to set the account down in writing, he consents, saying that he relates the experience “to the glory of God, and to encourage young missionaries.” His account follows:—

I was a medical student, in 1893, in Cincinnati, Ohio. I started in with no other financial resources than what one can earn at nursing; but as I had promised the Lord that if he would help me to get through, I would dedicate my life to his service as a medical missionary, I had a right to expect that he would at least give me work. In this I was not disappointed.

Once, however, my faith was put severely to the test. I had a wife and two small children, and in spite of my best endeavors I could not make quite enough to support them and pay all my bills at the university. A time came when our clothing began to give out; and we were brought keenly to realize our situation when my companion was obliged to stay at home from church on a Sabbath, having no shoes fit to wear in public.

We naturally felt sad at this state of our finances; but had we not had proof after proof of God’s tender, guiding hand in our affairs? With a prayer to him who hears in secret, we lay down and slept the Friday night following these events, feeling assured that in some way the Lord would provide. That night I dreamed that some one came to me, and said, “If you go to the house of Sister —, in Winton Place, you will find the help you need.” After relating this extraordinary experience to my wife, I decided to go the next Sunday, and visit this sister in obedience to the dream. Yet I could not quite believe that the dream was different from other dreams. My faith, however, was amply rewarded. I arrived at the sister’s home, and found her enjoying a visit from her brother. I related to the friends my purpose in life, and told them how well I was getting along, and how I had been working at my studies and at my profession, but purposely avoided any intimation of my needs; so that I might know of a certainty if the Lord sent the dream. The gentleman mentioned left the room before I did, but without bidding me good-by. I rose also, and left the house to return home, saying to myself that, after all, my dream was like all others. I got outside the gate, when the servant came running after me, asking me to come back, telling me that the brother of Sister — wished to see me.

I went back, wondering what would happen. The gentleman led me into a room, and showed me a heap of clothing that he had selected for me, just what I needed to replenish my depleted wardrobe. I stammered out my thanks, but still I kept thinking of those needed shoes. Then, after satisfying himself that the clothing would fit well, my helper took out his purse, and laid a five-dollar bill on the pile, saying: “I was impressed to help you because you said you wanted to be a missionary, and it has been my practise for several years to help young men of that stamp.” And he added, as he gave me the money, “This will not come amiss.”

The reader can judge of my feelings. I hurried home with my heart filled with praises to God, and especially thankful that he had not withheld his mercies at my lack of faith, and wondering at the good measure that he gave. Then and there I took courage, and in a day or two had a new case to nurse, and so finished my course. To God be all the praise!

We know full well that it is the Lord who “daily loadeth us with benefits;” that it is he who “maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” We thank him for his continual care. But there is blessedness in recounting the ways in which the Lord has intervened in delivering and helping in an extraordinary manner, showing that he is “not a God afar off,” but near and watching over even the common trials and perplexities of his children. We are too prone to feel that the common daily cares we must bear alone.

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.

W. A. S.