Prayer Saves a Crop
Another story from Youth Prays—God Answers.
The weather forecast indicated one day it would be one of the coldest nights of the year. Assistant Professor Lee Davis, in charge of the crop division of agriculture at La Sierra College, was worried. his alfalfa crop, on which several thousand dollars had been spent, was at a stage of growth where a frost would kill it off. If this happened, it would have to be replanted at great cost and loss of time.
Lee had been learning about the prayer of reception from Hugh James. As they met together for prayer that night, High suggested that they claim the promise found in Malachi 3:10, 11. Then since all conditions had been fulfilled, they could see the Lord work miraculously to save the alfalfa field.
The two of them knelt down and claimed the promise: “Bring all the tithe into the storehouse,… and prove Me now herewith, says the Lord of Hosts… And I will rebuke the devourer for your sake.” Malachi 3:10-11
The next morning Lee again claimed the promise. On his way to church he stopped and looked at the alfalfa. The field was solid white with frost, from one end of the field to the other. Being an agricultural specialist, he knew, or thought he knew, that the crop was lost—destroyed.
But his faith in God did not waver. God would surely fulfil His promise in some way, so Lee bent over and touched the leaves. The ice melted away under his fingers. What he saw made him take a second look. The leaves showed no damage! They were perfect!
With a thankful heart he went on to Sabbath School and church. That afternoon the sun came out from behind the clouds and Lee examined the leaves again. By now the frost was all melted and he could see very clearly that God had answered his prayer of faith. There was no damage to the crop—none whatsoever!
The next night was colder than the one before. However, not a single plant in the entire alfalfa field was damaged by frost.
Later that day, Lee learned from the seed representative about a neighbouring farmer who had planted his alfalfa seed the same day Lee had. Both crops had reached the same stage of growth and development. Yet, while the farmer lost almost three-fourths of this alfalfa crop, and Lee’s co-worker lost a hardy lemon tree because of the frost, the Lord protected the alfalfa field Lee David prayed for.
“He that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarded of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6