The Rock

Years ago, I read a biography about John and Betty Stam, young American missionaries to China who were martyred for their faith. Their story was inspiring on many levels. This young couple lived in a hostile environment, were eventually captured by Communists, and were taken, along with their three-month-old baby daughter, from their home in 1934 to face imminent death. The night of their capture, John penned these words to his fellow workers at China Inland Mission:

Dear Brethren,
My wife and baby and myself are today in the hands of the Communists, in the city of Tsingteh. Their demand is twenty thousand dollars for our release.
All our possessions and supplies are in their hands, but we praise God for peace in our hearts and a meal tonight. God grant you wisdom in what you do, and us fortitude, courage, and peace of heart. His is able—and a wonderful Friend in such a time.
Things happened so quickly this AM. They were in the city just a few hours after the ever-persistent rumors really became alarming, so that we could not prepare to leave in time. We were just too late.
The Lord bless and guide you, and as for us, may God be glorified by life or by death.

In Him,

John C. Stam

I was (and still am) inspired by the calm faith that these words reveal. "We praise God for peace in our hearts and a meal tonight." "May God be glorified by life or by death."

I was also particularly moved by God's miraculous protection over the baby and by Betty's tender care and thoughtful provision for her baby daughter, as she knew she was going to her own death. My mother's heart cannot even imagine the anguish.

But to me, perhaps the most inspiring part of the book was this poem included in the epilogue, a poem written by Betty before she was married, before she went to China, before the story that would be her life's story was completed. This beautiful poem, "Stand Still and See," has become a part of me over the years...I have read it, memorized it, meditated on it, shared it with others. It is my prayer that it will touch a place in your heart as you see the Rock in its words, and in your life.

STAND STILL AND SEE

I'm standing, Lord.
There is a mist that blinds my sight.
Sharp jagged rocks, front, left, and right.
Hover, dim, gigantic in the night.
Where is the way?

I'm standing, Lord.
The black rock hems me in behind
Above my head a moaning wind
Chills and oppresses heart and mind.
I am afraid!

I'm standing, Lord.
The rock is hard beneath my feet.
I nearly slipped Lord on the sleet.
So weary, Lord and where a seat?
Still must I stand?

He answered me, and on His face
A look ineffable of grace,

Of perfect, understanding love,
Which all my murmuring did remove.

I'm standing, Lord.
Since Thou hast spoken, Lord I see
Thou hast beset; these rocks are Thee;
And since Thy love encloses me,

I stand and sing.