Prayer answered – in peril of death - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting.
James 1:6

Prayer answered – in peril of death
Hudson Taylor (1832–1905) was one of the first missionaries to travel to China to spread the Christian message there. On his travels he experienced a lot, but there was one event he never forgot. For several days, the wind had been decreasing more and more, and now the sailing ship on which Taylor was travelling was no longer manoeuvrable. Helplessly, it drifted towards a small island. Panic was already spreading, and Taylor himself stood anxiously at the rail. The captain approached him and asked, pointing to the island, “Do you know what kind of people live there?” Taylor shook his head. “Cannibals!” exclaimed the captain. “Man-eaters! They show no mercy!” And indeed, soon the natives could be seen on the shore, eagerly preparing to give the strangers a ghastly reception. “But you believe in God,” continued the captain. “Pray to Him! For if your prayer doesn’t help us, we’re lost!”

“Yes, I will pray – but on one condition: set all sails immediately to catch the wind that God will send!” – “You can’t demand that of me!” the captain exclaimed indignantly. “I won’t make a fool of myself in front of my crew! There’s not the slightest sign of a change in the weather!” – “Well, without faith, nothing can be done,” Taylor replied, turning away.

But the ship drifted ever closer to the coast. Desperately, the captain paced back and forth. Finally, he decided to set the sails. Immediately, Taylor disappeared into his cabin to pray. Loudly and persistently he called on God to send the saving wind. Then there was a knock on his door. The captain was standing outside, calling, “Are you still praying for wind? Stop – we have more than enough!” Now they were saved and thanked God for His help!

Today’s reading: Jeremiah 25:1-14 · Romans 2:1-7