Trust in God’s Power Preserves Austrian Town from Napoleon
Napoleon’s army was camped on the hills above the border town of Feldkirch, Austria poised to attack. On Easter Sunday morning, the citizens met to decide whether to try to defend themselves or surrender. The pastor rose and addressed the frightened people and said, "Friends, we have been counting on our own strength, and apparently that has failed. Since this is the day of our Lord’s resurrection, let us just ring the bells, have our services, and leave the matter in His hands. We know only our weakness, and not the power of God to defend us." The people agreed and the church bells rang. Napoleon’s army heard the sudden peal of bells and mistook that for jubilation over the arrival of the Austrian army. Before the service ended, they retreated.
From a sermon by Tommy Burrus, How can I? 4/11/2010