A Light in the Night . . .

A poem by Edgar a Guest caught my attention many years ago. The words he shares in “Call Back” I’ve found true both in receiving and giving.

“If you have gone a little way ahead of me, call back–
‘Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track;
And if, perchance, Faith’s light is dim, because the oil is low,
Your call will guide my lagging course as wearily I go.

“Call back, and tell me that He went with you into the storm;
Call back, and say He kept you when the forest’s roots were torn;
That, when the heavens thunder and the earthquake shoot the hill,
He bore you up and held you where the very air was still.

“Oh, friend, call back, and tell me for I cannot see your face;
They say it glows with triumph, and your feet bound in the race;
But there are mists between us and my spirit eyes are dim,
And I cannot see the glory, though I long for word of Him.

“But if you’ll say He heard you when your prayer was but a cry,
And if you’ll say He saw you through the night’s sin-darkened sky–
If you have gone a little way ahead, oh, friend, call back–
‘Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track.”
Edgar A. Guest

I recently read a devotion by Spurgeon that spoke on this subject. He referenced to Psalm 84:6 which says, “As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.” 'This verse teaches that the blessings obtained by one person often prove to be of service to others, just as these springs would provide refreshing water for those who followed,' Spurgeon says. “Suddenly we realize someone has been here before us and not only dug a well for himself, but also for us.”

As is always the case, men of God reach back to the saints of old for instruction. We’re all familiar with Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us . . .” Likewise, the experiences we’ve had in our walk with God and what we’ve learned from them, give us valuable wisdom to past along.

Whether we’re reading from God’s word, or a saint of God is telling you how God heard his/her cry and answered their prayer, “call back” when the need is there to help your fellow brother or sister.