Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

*“And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward”* (v. 4).

The last hot water bottle had just burst. In Central Africa, there was no place to get another one. Keeping a new-born, premature infant alive was no easy task. An orphaned one was even harder. “Your job is to keep the baby warm,” Dr. Helen Roseveare informed the midwife.
The next day, Helen told the orphan children about the burst hot water bottle, the baby, and of its sad two-year-old sister. One of the orphans declared they must pray – and then did. Ruth insisted God must send a hot water bottle that afternoon! She also requested a doll to cheer up the baby’s sister. Helen was appalled at the bold request.
That afternoon, an unexpected package arrived. Surrounded by orphans, Dr. Roseveare nervously opened it. Sure enough, among other things, there was a hot water bottle. Ruth was so excited she dove into the box looking for the doll. Just as she expected, it was there.
Knowing the package had been en route for months, Helen was reminded that our needs do not take God by surprise. He can be trusted to give us the help we need - precisely when we need it. (Cyretha Horton)

“Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!”
-Louisa M. R. Stead (Public Domain)

This devotional is the Wednesday, November 2, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.