God's Divine Protection; Even When You Don’t See It

Bing’s Copilot/Designer

The other day, as I was listening to the Quick Start podcast of CBN, I heard about how an armed intruder was found in minister and evangelist Ray Comfort’s business warehouse. Ray’s wife and staff usually work in the building, but for some reason, no one was there at the time. Ray gave thanks and glory to God by saying that those who are committed to Him have their steps ordered by the Lord. Meaning that this was no coincidence that his wife and staff “chose” not to come to the warehouse this morning.

Ray Comfort quoted Psalm 37:23 from the KJV translation:

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.”

In another translation, the GNT version, this becomes a bit clearer:

“The Lord guides us in the way we should goand protects those who please Him.”

As a believer, there are no coincidences. There may be incidents and events that are tragic, difficult, or shameful — but no matter what, God always works them for good.

I know this to be true in my life.

My first husband, Aaron, and I got married in our early twenties. Our marriage lasted only eighteen months.

It was the second day of my college spring break. Aaron received a call from our Pastor who needed a ride to the hospital. Aaron asked me to ride with him, but I declined as I had to read and study for a class I was struggling in.

Less than an hour later, he was dead — his car collided with a dumpster truck.

I battled with guilt and anger for a very long time.

Why, God? Why him and not me? Why did I not go with him? Would he have survived if I did?

Questions. So many unanswered questions.

Aaron was severely asthmatic. His biggest fear was suffocating to death. His death in the collision was instantaneous. My comfort is knowing he was a believer.

Over twenty-nine years have passed since that fateful day.

Two years ago, I had my own brush with death, and soon after, I recommitted my life to God. Until that point, I had no peace in my heart, only bitterness.

Before my heart attack, I knew about God and the Bible. It wasn’t until my heart attack that I felt the overwhelming need to be close to Him.

I don’t want to just know about Him. I want to know Him intimately.

It took me most of my life to see this truth.

God could have taken me on that day with Aaron, or He could have taken me two years ago. But He didn’t.

Instead, today, I’m freed from resentment and anger and am relishing in getting to know my Lord and Savior more and more each day.

I’m so grateful that God never gave up on me, even when I’d given up on Him.

© This Broken Clay