Evidence Not Seen

Evidence Not Seen is the incredible story of Darlene Deibler Rose, an American missionary who became a Prisoner of War under the Japanese during WWII. Darlene and her husband Russell were called to serve God in Papua New Guinea, to which they faithfully obeyed despite the obvious hardships and trials. Soon, however, they found themselves in a very difficult situation as the Japanese entered World War II.

Two Powerful Stories

Though the team of missionaries was offered the chance to leave on a ship—a choice that seems obvious to most of us—they prayed to seek God’s guidance. The leader of the team urged them to seek the Lord on their knees and ask Him: “Lord what do you want us to do? Go or stay?” He even asked husbands and wives not to discuss their decision with one another so they wouldn’t influence each other, and he assured them, “God does not work in confusion. He will not lead a wife against her husband and vice versa” assuring them that God would reveal His directive to both spouses.

His reasoning was this: “no matter what happens in the months or possibly years that lie ahead, you will know that you are exactly where God wants you to be.” If he led them to leave, then they would never feel that they were cowards who fled. If they were led to stay no matter what happened, they would be able to look up and say: “Lord, you intended for me to be right here”.

Each missionary earnestly sought the Lord’s guidance, and the end result vindicated them. Oh, how much we need to learn to seek God’s voice!

In another instance, Darlene longed for a simple physical need to be met, she craved one banana, but she was in isolation and convinced herself that God couldn’t possibly provide for her there. She was behind prison walls, guarded by officials who didn’t care whether she lived or died. Anyone who tried to help her would be shot. Yet the God who is always faithful proved Himself once again—and provided her desire almost a hundredfold. The provision came through an unexpected visitor, and it wasn’t one banana but 92 bananas!

Some Lessons & Observations

1) His grace is sufficient 

Through Darlene’s story, we see the strength God provides in the midst of the most horrible conditions. Indeed, He gives us the grace we need—an “ever‑present, undiminished supply of God’s glorious grace” to quote Darlene.

2) His perspective is different

This book is a good reminder of how differently God sees things. We only have a limited view, but He has the full picture.

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” Romans 11:33 ESV

3) Your posture influences others

Darlene had every reason to be bitter. Yet her stance throughout—and even after—her suffering was extraordinary (truly a God‑thing). Her perseverance and Christlike spirit changed the culture of the whole camp, and she became a person of great influence despite immense suffering. To quote Darlene: “Our Lord was no strange to suffering”. In the end, like another Joseph, she became a leader in that group.

Final Thoughts:

There Will Be a Cost to follow and obey Christ. Darlene and her husband paid the cost, but they overcame. Thinking of what they went through I’m reminded of this verse: “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:11

The book opens with a powerful illustration:

An old Roman coin was found with the picture of an ox on it. The ox was facing two things, an altar and a plow. The inscription read: “Ready for either” (Ad utrumque paratus).

Are we ready?

P.S: Here is a YouTube video of Darlene speaking.