(Jesus said) ... "Do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit." Mark 13:11b

Every once in a while as I'm preparing the Daily Devotions, a story comes across my desk which is, quite frankly, most unusual.

That is certainly true for the narrative of 32-year-old Lindsay Wood of Shelby, North Carolina.

Recently, Wood and her young son came home from attending Wednesday evening worship at their church. While the boy was bringing in a trash can, she was attacked by a knife-wielding assailant.

The man did more than wield the knife; he used it and slashed her throat.

And what did Wood do? Before I answer that, let me ask, what would you have done? Would you ... struggle ... fight back ... try to escape ... look for a way to get help ... call out for your son to run and call the police? There are all kinds of things you and I might do.

Now let me tell you what Lindsay Wood did. She read the Bible to her assailant. That's right. While her son hid in the bushes, for more than an hour, she read the Bible to the man who continued to hold his knife to her throat.

She read the Bible and then she invited the man to her church.

Would you like to know the rest of the story? Here it is: the attacker began to apologize. Again and again, he apologized. He apologized and then he slipped back into the night. The police are still looking for him. And Lindsay Wood -- she was taken to the hospital where she received 25 staples to close the wound in her neck.

Commenting about the incident, Wood's father said, "She was doing what her faith led her to do." I would like to add, she was making a witness, which was directed by the Holy Spirit.

Now you may wonder why I have told you Wood's story. There is a reason beyond asking what you would do in her situation. No, I'd like to take that question one step further and ask, what Scripture would you read to someone who hated you and the Savior? What passages of the Bible would be helpful in a time of difficulty, persecution or personal threat? Now I pray you will never find yourself in Lindsay Wood's circumstance, but I know someday you will find yourself in a situation.

Before that day comes, I encourage you to search the Scriptures, so you may be prepared to make your witness to the Savior.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks that most people do not have to suffer the life-and-death moments that Lindsay did. For all the peace and day-to-day safety You give us, I am thankful. For a Savior who is with me in every situation, I praise You. Now, while there is time, may I study the Scriptures, so the Holy Spirit may use their power to touch lost souls. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 11-12    Mark 7:1-13

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