THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

During World War II, Darlene Deibler Rose along with her husband and other missionaries were arrested by the Japanese and placed in detention.
Interrogation after interrogation she had to endure, sometimes for an hour, sometimes two hours, sometimes even more. Every time she was charged with espionage.

She never shed a tear during the interrogation because she did not wish to appear weak but after she returned to her cell, she would cry “bucket of tears.” And, in desperation she would pray, “O Lord, I just can’t go through another one. Please, no more, Lord.” But, then every time she was done crying, she would hear the Lord whisper, “But my child, my grace is sufficient for you. Not was, nor shall be, but it is sufficient.” That whisper gave her strength.

But, there was something else that gave her strength. Two weeks before she was imprisoned, she happened to memorize a poem by Annie Johnson Flint. She did not know why, but now she understood why God put that poem in her heart. It was for her.

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater.
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.
To added affliction, He addeth His mercy
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance
And our strength has failed ere the day is half done
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
The Father’s full giving is only begun.

Perhaps we have been where she was—no more strength, but the day was only half done. God promises His full giving is only begun.

Pastor Paul