Family Talk Night Light for Parents

Empty Shells

I know your deeds…your service and perseverance. Revelation 2:19

Elmer Bendiner flew on numerous bombing runs over Germany during World War II. He never forgot one of those missions. Bendiner’s B-17 was hit especially hard by enemy antiaircraft guns; eleven shells pierced the fuel tank. If even one of those shells had exploded, the plane would have been blown out of the sky. Incredibly, however, all remained intact. As Bendiner wrote in his book, The Fall of Fortresses, he eventually learned the explanation for this miracle. When demolition experts opened up the shells, they found no explosive charge. All were empty—but one. That shell contained a small note, apparently from a factory munitions worker, written in Czech. Translated, it read: “This is all we can do for you now.”

Scripture says that God notices our persistent acts of faith: “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance” (Revelation 2:19). That includes our small efforts as well as the great ones. When you are discouraged by the evils threatening your children and feel that your “insignificant” attempts to shield them make no difference, remember that the Lord is watching—and when it is within the wisdom of His divine plan, He will honor even the smallest endeavor: “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust” (Psalm 40:4).

Before you say good night…

Do you believe that God notices your efforts to protect your children (see Revelation 2:19)?

How has God blessed even small efforts in the past?

Lord, we thank You that tomorrow is a new day. We ask that You would meet us in the morning with fresh strength and power so that we can make the most of each opportunity You place in our paths. Amen.

• From Night Light For Parents, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
  Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.

Illustration adapted from Standing Tall by Steve Farrar (Sisters, Ore.: Multnomah Publishers, Inc., 1994).