Saturday, November 17, 2007

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving: the Indians


Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
Matthew 6:8


Recommended Reading
Matthew 6:8-13

Half the Pilgrims died during their first winter at Plymouth. The onset of spring found them wondering if any of them would survive, but that's when a miracle of God's providence occurred. On a Friday in March, as the men gathered for military training, a cry went up: "Indian coming!" Everyone gathered around the young man. Suddenly he boomed in near-perfect English, "Welcome!" His name was Samoset. Shortly thereafter, Samoset introduced the Pilgrims to another Indian, Squanto, who was a godsend for the settlers.

Squanto taught them how to catch eels, plant corn in the Indian way, and survive in the wilderness by stalking deer, refining maple syrup, using herbs for medicine, and trading beaver pelts. Without him, Plymouth Colony might not have survived; and that's why, at the end of the growing season, the Pilgrims and Indians celebrated Thanksgiving.

The heavenly Father knows our needs before we ask; and at unexpected moments, He sends just the right person or provision to help us. That's why every day is Thanksgiving for Christians.


Just when I need Him, Jesus is near . . . Ready to help me, ready to cheer.
William Poole

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