Protected In the Pit
Photo by Ali Mkumbwa on Unsplash
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. -- Psalm 46:1 (NKJV)
Years ago, I was preparing for work on an exceptionally stressful morning. I was running late with two boys under the age of two who were intent on a leisurely breakfast. I struggled to get them dressed, fed, and out the door.
Upon leaving the house, I hit every red light. Then I got stuck at a railroad crossing waiting for the train to pass. It seemed endless. I vividly remember crying because I was late for my new job. Everything was working against me. A few minutes later I drove past the aftermath of an accident. The police were trying to navigate traffic around the wrecked cars. It rained that morning, and the roads were slick. Suddenly, I realized that I wasn’t late at all. God’s intervention had protected us from harm.
Our Father is surely a refuge. However, His protection doesn’t always come as expected. Our greatest frustrations are often intertwined with keeping us from calamity. God’s protection can manifest through painful situations such as strained relationships and broken promises. The Lord's mercy is so great that He allows our disappointments and shortcomings to become teachable moments without consuming us.
God allowed Moses to survive years in the wilderness after committing murder. That was probably humbling for a man raised in a palace. Jonah’s life was spared despite his disobedience. Even so, three days in a whale was probably terrifying. And finally, Joseph was sold into slavery instead of left in a pit to rot. Their protection was unorthodox, but effective. And our heavenly Father does the same for us.
The trying situations we endure may protect us from something far worse. Moses would have been executed by Pharoah. Jonah would have drowned. Joseph would have been killed by his brothers. Yet each of them fulfilled their purpose and glorified God despite their trials. We may not always appreciate our circumstances, nevertheless, our Father’s protection prevails in them.
Question for Reflection:
Recall a time when a difficult situation turned out for your good. How did you thank God for His providence?
