Wednesday, we headed down the mountain for the Valley. We had some business to attend to and were also able to have a brief visit with our kids. Before we left, we did what we always do. We prayed for safely while we traveled.
Our drive was uneventful even though we were followed by some of the largest rain clouds I had ever seen. Thank you, Lord!
Yesterday morning we went to the far east side of the Valley and got some business taken care of. Then we came back to a more central area to do some shopping and our visit with the family. Only a few sprinkles and cloudy skies.
When we were at our daughter’s last night, we saw video of what the over 2″ of rain had done in the area where we had been just that morning. Thank you, Father, for your hand of protection and safety.
“Jacob, the Lord created you. Israel, he made you, and now he says, “Don’t be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. 2 When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior…” Isaiah 43:1-3 ERV
These words are not some author taking poetic license. They are the promise of God to be our protector!
These words were written to the nation of Israel, but they are valid for us today.
“You were all baptized into Christ, and so you were all clothed with Christ. This shows that you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 28 Now, in Christ, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or free, male or female. You are all the same in Christ Jesus. 29 You belong to Christ, so you are Abraham’s descendants. You get all of God’s blessings because of the promise that God made to Abraham.” Galatians 3:26-27 ERV
We all get the blessings of the promise that God made to Abraham and his descendants, Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female. In Christ, His blessings are for all of us.
Those promises are practical – they are for everyday living. Look at the words in the Isaiah verses again “when you have troubles, I am with you”. That’s a promise.
The flash flooding and the thunderstorms are a reminder to me of the Father’s hand of protection. Even in our stupidity He is there.
“…Then Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. 30 But while Peter was walking on the water, he saw the wind and the waves. He was afraid and began sinking into the water. He shouted, “Lord, save me!”
31 Then Jesus caught Peter with his hand. He said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31 ERV
Now, I’m not suggesting we do stupid things BUT when we realize we have, the wisest thing to do is what Peter did. Shout out “Lord, save me”. And let the Lord reach down, catching us by the hand and rescue us.
The prayer that Dave and I pray each day for safety and protection isn’t wishful thinking or a positive affirmation. It is an expression of our faith-filled trust that we always are under the shelter of God’s hand of protection.