When one is faced with disappointment and discouragement, that is no time to make an important decision. The best place to go at an hour like that is to our secret prayer chamber, alone with God. Does God answer prayer? Many of the most important accomplishment known to men, have been preceded by disheartening experiences, accompanied by believing prayer.

Even in our prayer life, however, hasty decisions can be dangerous. The best policy is to pray till we are sure. Then when God assures us of His divine will, we must keep on praying and believing despite difficulties and problems.

Finally he threw away the flint and steel in disgust, wrapped himself in a blanket, and there in the cold, unheated kitchen he began tinkering with some chemicals-the inflammable kind. He experimented steadily with mixtures of sulphur and phosphorus.

It was not long before Thomas Sanford perfected a sulphur mixture, when applied to the tip of a small piece of wood, could be ignited simply by striking it against a rough surface.

But the few matches Sanford constructed were of little value in themselves. They were a novelty, to be sure, but Sanford realized that only mass manufacturing and distribution would convert his device into a useful one.

He approached several local business men with his invention. These men, too, had struggled to build their fires with the flint and steel, but instead of seeing the value of Sanford’s match, these bankers, and investors merely amused themselves with the device, striking matches and starting a sudden flame like children watching fireworks.

“Sorry,” each of them said, “I haven’t got the cash to promote ‘sticks of fire.’”

Sanford left Beacon Falls in disgust. and moved to Woodbridge, Connecticut. There he decided to build his own factory, with his own hands and money, and manufacture his discovery.

He chose a small stream which could furnish the power for his small factory, and he set about building a waterwheel. But this was where Sanford’s imagination proved greater than his calculations. The waterwheel, representing the last of Sanford’s funds, and a great deal of hard labor, turned out to be much too large for the streams flowing power. It simply stood there, stock still, while the flowing waters of the rivulet ran past it.

Discouragement and dismay at his failure bore down on Sanford as he stood on the banks of the stream and stared at the huge wheel that merely creaked and groaned in the wind. A passerby, taking a stroll in the vicinity of “Sanford’s Folly,” saw the man with clinched fists standing besides the gargantuan wheel.

“What’s the trouble friend,” The man called out.

Where upon Sanford turned to the visitor and poured out his story. “I’ll sell you the formula for whatever cash you have in your pocket.” Sanford said, “Just to get rid of the miserable device.”

“I don’t know what it’s all about.” Answered the man, “But I’m a gambler.” He reached in his pocket and brought out a ten dollar bill. “I’ll give you ten dollars for what you have there.”

Thus, Sanford sold out his formula - and fortune -for the safety match that has become a household fixture.

This true story was printed in Sunshine Magazine in January 1967. The author, Mr. C. William Wiser, could be reached at that time at 241 W. 11th St. New York, 14, N.Y.

Had Peter been able to believe in our Lord’s Resurrection, that would have changed his entire outlook. Had Peter been able to exercise faith despite the circumstances he would have retained his victory.

Had Peter been able to trust with nothing else but the promises of God to stand upon, he would not have denied that he ever was acquainted with Jesus Christ.

If Peter could have continued to believe for three more days, although everything seemed against him, his dismal failure would not have been recorded in the Inspired Word of God!

How many times has your faith failed at the very time it was needed most. Jesus said, “Oh faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me” (Mark 9:19).