As the little son of Hans Vedder was returning home along the dyke one evening when he saw a tiny stream of water trickling down from a little crevice in the wall.
The little Hollander knew well what that meant; he understood how all their safety depended on the soundness of the dyke, and how, if the dyke was injured that, wide-spreading ruin and uttermost destruction would follow! At once, he thrust his finger into the crevice from where the water was spurting.
The water ceased to trickle. His little forefinger had wedged itself so tightly into the crack that the hole was stopped. And then, keeping his finger in the place, he sat down contentedly to wait till someone should pass, when the hole would be stopped more securely and he would be released.
He grew very tired, but he well knew the danger, and he bravely stuck to his post. His finger grew stiff and numb, and his body was cramped with pain. But still the brave boy stuck to his post, and patiently kept his finger in the dangerous hole.
The night to the lad seemed long and dreary, and at last he fell asleep with his finger still plugging the hole in the leaking dyke. There he stayed, faithful at his post, until morning came and he was finally found and rescued by his father.
There are some of you who are like the little son of Hans Vedder.
Somewhere in your journey in life, and through some unforeseen fortune of Divine Providence, you have been called to take a stand. To stand and to faithfully plug a leak that seems to be pointed out just to you. It may not have been something you were looking for, and frankly, it may seem to you that it was an unfortuitous occurrence that happened entirely by accident. It could have been a task or calling that you were actually trying to avoid; but there was no avoiding it. It may even have happened to you late in life, and you are pretty sure that you are entirely unsuitable for this calling or responsibility; but there it is, and there you are.
My pastoral word to you is this: stay faithful. Stay faithful to that job or commitment that Providence has decided to give you. There are no accidents. God is not asleep. Your father has his eyes on you. You may never know why you were given this responsibility, but rest assured, morning is coming and your father will rescue you. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. “And be sure of this: I am with you always,” Jesus says, “even to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:20
Regeneration, Repentance and Reformation 