God Is Better Than The Secret Service

I am an avid reader of the Jesus Calling devotion book, written by Sarah Young. I love the way it is written, as if God were speaking directly to the reader, in modern day terms. But more importantly, I love the way  God uses it as a way to speak truth to my heart, each and every day.

Yesterday's devotion became especially meaningful, for reasons I'll tell you in a moment, but look over the words of that devotion below:

January 31
I am your strength and shield.  I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what's on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me.  My Power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying, and you will have strength to spare.

Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield.  But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watchcare, which is the best security system available.  I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

Yesterday morning as I read this devotion, the words "protecting you from known and unknown danger" seemed to stand out. I didn't really understand why it struck a chord in my heart, but I silently thanked God for His protection, and took comfort in knowing that God was watching over me.

This morning my mother called, still a little shaken up from the events that had occurred last night. You see, about a week ago, she had taken her car to the shop to get her brakes checked and repaired. She waited several hours for the work to be done, and then went on her way - completely unaware of any danger.

Last night while driving, her car began making some odd noises and she felt it running differently, as if the tires were flat. She was alarmed, but fortunately had arrived at her destination. She parked the car and was perplexed when all the tires were full of air. She then asked an acquaintance (who just happened to be a car mechanic) if he would mind taking a look at it.

This friend started the car and planned to take it for a quick spin around the block to assess the noise, until he immediately became aware that there were no working brakes whatsoever. Apparently the person who had worked on her car the week prior, had inadvertently neglected to tighten up the bolts, and after a week of driving, the bolts had loosened up so much that they actually had fallen off and out of the car. The vehicle was completely void of any way to stop.

When my mom heard this, she gasped and shuddered at the thought of the tragedy that could   have occurred.  She had been driving around completely unaware that serious danger was lurking - but just as the devotion said, God was alert and active, and He knew what was on the road ahead, even though she did not have a clue.

Do you think it was a coincidence that her brakes stopped working the exact moment that she pulled into the parking place, shortly after having pulled off of a  fast busy interstate, driving through several busy intersections, and pulling into a parking lot where many people and cars were on the move? Of course not!  Do you think it was coincidence that a friend/car mechanic just happened to be at the same place she was? Of course not!

Both of these situations were huge, unmistakable, undeniable God-incidences.  God had put a shield around her car and protected her from harm, in addition to all the innocent people that could have been in danger as well.

Now I can understand why those words jumped off the page into my spirit yesterday. It was because today, God wanted to me remind me, my mother, and maybe even you....  that He is always watching over us,  even when we don't know we need protection.

He knows what danger lurks. He knows what the next day will bring. And He knows how to handle whatever that may be. What great comfort it brings to be reminded that God knows our needs, even before we do.

Are you facing a situation today that has caused fear to enter your heart?  Do you ever wonder if God is really looking out for you?  Would you like for me to pray for you, as you tuck the verses below into your heart and allow God to bring you peace?  If so, just leave a quick comment on my blog.

Or has God protected you or a loved one in a special way that left you speechless and praising Him? Has there ever been a time when you became aware of "what could have been" if God had not intervened? If so, consider leaving a comment as well. We would all be encouraged by hearing about your God-incidences.

Whatever situations we find ourselves in today, let's refuse to waste energy worrying. Let's spend our energies praising God for the known and unknown dangers that He is protecting us from, and concentrating on staying in touch with Him instead.

After all, who could ask for better secret service protection than from God Himself?  

Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Matthew 6:34  So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Psalm 56:3-4 But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?

Genesis 28:15 What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”