You most likely are not familiar with the name, Gladys Aylward, but you may have heard her story which was made into a movie many years ago. The movie was titled, "The Inn of the 6th Happiness." It was the story of a single woman who became a missionary to China, but was forced to flee before the invading Japanese army in World War II. She, however, could not leave the people she loved to suffer, and especially the many orphans. With only one assistant to help her, she led more than 100 children over the mountains to reach freedom.

In the book "The Hidden Price of Greatness," the authors tell us the unknown story of the struggle which Gladys fought with herself:

During Gladys's harrowing journey out of war-torn Yangcheng, she grappled with despair as never before. After passing a sleepless night, she faced the morning with no hope of reaching safety. A 14 year old girl in the group reminded her of their much loved story of Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. "But I am not Moses," Gladys cried in desperation. "Of course you aren't," the girl said, "but Jehovah is still God!"

WOW! What faith! Don't you wish you could always have the faith and trust of that 14 year old girl?

We may not be Moses, but He is still Jehovah!

Often in the scriptures, the apostle Paul lets us see his very human side. He had struggles with his own weaknesses, with his physical problems, with discouragement from dealing with other less than perfect people. Yet, he could write words of encouragement that let us understand that he never gave up hope or trust in God, like these familiar words of faith:

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need (Philippians 4:12-13 NLT).

Next Door Savior by Max Lucado Master storyteller Lucado presents the stunning contrasts of Jesus--his irresistible humanity and undeniable deity.

Russ Lawson is a former missionary to Africa and minister in Ohio. He now works with World Christian Literature Outreach and writes a weekly email devotional, Messages from the Heart. For more information about Russ, click here.

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