Encouragement

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If you have read through the book of Psalms recently, you have seen that the writers pour out their hearts to God; both in the good and bad times. The psalmists were not afraid to speak with God openly. They knew God was there. He protected and delivered them. God will do, and does do, the same for us.

We can rest in His promises of protection. God in Deut. 31:6 encourages us by saying; “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” Jesus in John 14: 17-18 says he will never leave us. Later in the same chapter when talking about the Holy Spirit coming to be in/with us, He says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you“ (v. 27).

Many times we never know of these moments of protection. Amy Grant’s song, Angels, has a verse that describes this.
God only knows the times my life was threatened just today.
A reckless car ran out of gas before it ran my way.
Near misses all around me, accidents unknown,
Though I never see with human eyes the hands that lead me home.
But I know they’re all around me all day and through the night.
When the enemy is closing in, I know sometimes they fight
To keep my fight from falling, I’ll never turn away.
If you’re asking what’s protecting me then you’re gonna hear me say:....
Angels watching over us…
Then there are the times we will experience the protection and comfort of God in its fullest sense. Those I believe are the times God wants to show us His strength. He wishes us to share that with others. Many times, these times are associated with a trial. James 1:2-3 and Romans 5:3-5 remind us to rejoice in the times of suffering.

In my life, I have had 2 experiences that stand out to me as periods of trials that God has called me to share. The first occurred almost 20 years ago during college. This time was not one big trial but a constant borage of small things over several months. I don’t remember all the little things that happened but I will list just a few: 4 term papers due in the same week, the same week I was in a car crash (not serious thankfully) but it caused lots of headaches related to getting the car repaired. At the start of the next semester I rented a room in a house that was under major renovation, I took classes on 2 campuses, my father lost his job, and my supervisor was diagnosed with a tumor the size of a grapefruit so I took over her duties. The list could go on but the point I wish to make is that with God I did not look at the time as a challenge or let it get me down. The only reason I remember this time 20 years later is the comments of a friend who silently watched me during those few months. Our last day together before I transferred to Harding University’s nursing program, he recounted to me the experience of those few months and his admiration for my strength. He saw how with each challenge “I just let it roll right off me” and did not let it adversely affect me. He said my example had saved his life. He was planning suicide. God used me to protect him and comfort him. The strength he saw in me was God’s strength not my own.


The 2nd experience occurred Sunday, April 27, 2003. It is an example of God’s protection and comfort to me and my family. That day started like any Sunday with church. Katie and I spent the afternoon at a Kid’s Day at the civic center. The day was winding down - supper complete, bath time, etc. And then about 6 p.m. a knock at the door changed our lives forever. I answered it to a stranger (never will do that again and I did not recommend that you do either). I was greeted with a gun wielding robber. For around 1 ½ hours, Katie and I were held at gunpoint. I was kicked in the face. Once Joey arrived from work, they were able to get in our safe and get the money they were after. We were tied up and they left. God was there; I am positive because Katie is a hyper child -never still and quiet -she was that night. I had a peace about me, I remained calm - I did not have any fear for our lives ; I knew God’s hand was on us. Joey normally has his gun in hand not that night it was in his bag. God’s wisdom and protection got us through that night. He will get you through your challenges. Whether big as in the home invasion we experienced or that test or the traffic jam you face daily - He will be there. If - if you let him.

Psalm 16:9-10
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave.

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