Evidence of Faith

In our sojourn here we seem to be constantly asking ‘why’? Why did our friend die in a horrible wreck when I was sitting right beside her? Why were those wonderful missionary men  killed when they were doing their best to introduce Jesus Christ to the natives there? Why?

John and Betty Stam were in China via Inland China Mission. Betty’s parents were missionaries there, as well, but not in the same province. Their infant daughter, Helen was three months old when the Communist soldiers took them into custody, along with a servant. John and Betty were made to walk 12 miles before they were beheaded. The servant died for the baby, which eventually was sent by Betty’s parents back to the states. Why? Betty had penned these thoughts and they seem prophetic for her brief life.

Afraid? Of What?

To feel the spirit’s glad release?

To pass from pain to perfect peace?

The strife and strain of life to cease?

Afraid?–of that?

Afraid? Of What?

Afraid to see the Savior’s face,

To hear His welcome, and to trace

The glory gleam from wounds of grace

Afraid–of that?

Afraid? Of What?

A flash, a crash, a pierced heart;

Dakness, light O Heaven’s art!

A wound of His a counterpart!

Afraid–of that?

Afraid? Of What?

To do by death what life could not–

Baptize with blood a stony plot,

Till souls shall blossom from the spot?

Afraid–of that?

John was born in 1907, Betty in 1906, and beheaded December 8, 1934.

In our own lives, we are faced with sorrow and monumental anguish and it may be to such depths we cry, why? However, if we have faith in Jesus Christ, we get a glimmer of truth…, the truth that the whole of our individual existence is no accident. It has purpose, and when we comprehend that, we will understand more fully the thoughts of Betty Stam.

Moreover, we see more clearly the meaning of Hebrews 11:1– Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. That scripture goes a long way in answering “Why.”