God’s Mercy

It seemed like the darkest of places. Under the rigid control of the Japanese, the compound in Wei Hsien, 500 miles south of Peking, had become a prison for nearly 2,000 men and women.

Conditions were terrible. One prisoner commented that life “was a grim battle for survival.” Another wrote that the camp was “awash in a cesspool of every kind of misery.”

But all prisoners seemed encouraged by the example of Eric Liddell. Once a champion athlete, he had dedicated his life to the Gospel, serving as a missionary in China. Knowing the dangers after Japan invaded China, Liddell remained. And his testimony continued to be strong.

Liddell was known for his laughter and good spirits. He loved to sing. One of his favorite hymns was “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy.” Written in 1854 by Frederick W. Faber, this hymn described His mercy as “like the wideness of the sea.” How God provides a welcome for sinners, and that “there is mercy with the Savior; there is healing in His blood.”

Faber wrote how “there is grace enough for thousands of new worlds as great as this.” This seemed impossible to comprehend, “for the love of God is broader than the measure of our mind.” And the Father’s heart “is most wonderfully kind.” It seemed so amazing that we would “wander from a love so true and deep.” For God is “our Father and His fondness goes far out beyond our dreams . . . Was there ever kinder shepherd half so gentle, half so sweet, as the Savior who would have us come and gather at His feet?”

We can imagine what joy this message brought to Eric Liddell as he sang in that prison camp. But this message can bring joy to us in any situation.

Today, remember that God is merciful. Thank Him for the mercy He has shown you!