No one wants a crisis, but God’s Word shows us God works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28; Philippians 1:12).

I was reminded of the power of those words this week as I looked at a New Testament owned and cherished by Martha’s uncle.

In 1917, Elmer Layton, of Route 4, Brantley, Alabama, shipped out to West Virginia to prepare for war–World War I.

Martha was born late in her parent’s life and her father was one of the youngest in the family. His older brother, Elmer, went off to the fight the Germans in France and Germany.

The New Testament is fascinating. We were blessed to be given his Bible, a hymnal for use in Germany, and pictures of him and his wife who was left on the home front. General John Pershing wrote a note to “The American Soldier” on the inside of the front cover. He spoke of faith and trust. Judging by the wear on the cover and the pages, Elmer Layton carried this Bible all the way to the occupation of Germany and read it often.

Isn’t it amazing what God can do through His Word and our need?

On the back cover the New York Bible Society (who gave the Bible) wrote a word about decision. It went like this: “Convinced of my sinful condition, and believing that Christ died for me and rose again, and will save to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him (Heb. 7.25), I now receive Him as my personal Saviour, and with His help intend to confess Him openly.”

The cover also contained Romans 10:9: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Underneath, Elmer Layton signed his name and address and gave the date of 2-5-22.

Every indication of his life showed that Christ saved him to the “uttermost” and that he served God until his death.

His crisis became his salvation. God does work good in our lives.

If we focus on Him, He can do the same in our lives.

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