The Hand that Intervenes: The Unseen Protector

by William A Spicer

Charles Wesley was one of the founders of Methodism. In the year 1743, a meeting was held in a market place during which men who were supposed to be attentive tried closing their ears from hearing the word of truth. Next, they tried to silence Charles Wesley by going after him, but they had no success. While traveling to Bristol, he had the longest experience with a mob. The people (the mob), were all around where he was lodged that coming out was difficult. Accidentally, a hand fire engine was used to pour water into the house where Charles Wesley lodged with his companion. They had intended to burn the house. Many more mistakes were made, all working out to the glory of God and their good. Wesley and his brethren inside were terrified with all the shouting and threats they were hearing, it was only by a miracle the mob wasn’t able to get in. The brethren continued in prayer, seeking the face of God after which they continued to interact as usual, trusting that God would deliver them. The mob was coming closer and closer that they started taking off the tiling of the roof when one of the mob shouted, "They are behind the curtain!" Immediately they all went to another corner of the house. At this point, they expected the mob to come in without trouble, but our Lord that calmed the troubled sea calmed the mob. Wesley wondered what happened with the mob for the sudden silence. God had stopped them! He had an unseen Protector. May this be our experience as we put our hands to plough.

Summarised by Fred Felix