“Quick!” Danny shouted, lunging across the flimsy bamboo floor. “Guard the lamp! The wind will blow it out.”

The flame of the tiny kerosene lamp dimmed and flickered as the gust of wind shook the house.  A collective gasp went up from the crowd. They were sure the lamp would go out this time. 

Ramon had been reading the Bible to the village for weeks by the light of the little lamp. Night after night, he would shake it, certain that the small supply of fuel he had carried up from the lowlands was gone. Night after night, though, when he blew on a lump of glowing coal held next to the wick, the flame caught, and the lamp lit again.

The wind was too strong that night, though. Everyone was sure that the lamp was finished and, with it, their hopes of hearing God’s word. But as Ramon and his audience watched in amazement, the little flame flickered, popped and then grew straight and tall, shining brightly in the darkness. In wonder, the people looked around. The hut was rocking and swaying as the gusts buffeted it. Right in front of their eyes, though, the little flame stood straight upright, seemingly unconcerned by the storm and the lack of kerosene.
Ramon knew that God had worked a miracle to keep the lamp burning. The Lord wanted the people in this village, who lived in terror of the spirits, to hear the message of the Bible. So once again, with a clear, strong voice, he began to read the timeless truth.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV).

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