The Day Stepping Away Saved My Life

Photo by Rodolfo Mari on Unsplash

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

-- Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV)

Eyes wide, I watched in horror as the semi-truck began backing towards me. I wanted to save my trike, but something inside me told me to get off and move to the grass. I had been fascinated by the big moving truck parked in front of our neighbors’ house. Curious, I pedaled my shiny red tricycle down the street to watch.

Tears rolled down my chubby little face as I stood beside the truck and saw my precious tricycle slowly being crushed under giant truck tires and become scrap metal. Loud air brakes broke my pout. The truck came to a stop, and the very scared driver appeared. He had seen me in his side mirror, standing there crying. He was terrified he had run over someone. He asked me if I was okay, picked up my crushed trike, took my hand, and asked where I lived. He walked me home and delivered me to my mom, who seemed outwardly unruffled by the event. He profusely apologized and offered to pay for a new trike or a wheel or whatever we needed.

My trike never was the same, but I, fortunately, was just fine.

Looking back, I realize there was more happening than I could understand as a three-year-old. Even then, I recognized that God had protected me. I could have been sitting on that trike as the truck backed over it. Maybe it wasn’t instinct or fear at all that made me move. Maybe God sent an angel or two to intervene and pull me to safety.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:11-12)

In fact, even as I stood there crying, I think I really prayed for the first time. I am sure it was not out loud. I still can’t pray through my tears. And how can I not shed tears when I realize God’s goodness and care for me?

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,” (Psalm 91:14-15a)

I was in trouble.

I called on Him.

He rescued me.

I am pretty sure God has protected me from my own folly more than anything. But as I look back through my life, one thing I know, I have kept my guardian angels busy. I still struggle with “stepping away” when I think I need to stay in the “battle.” Learning to trust that God will fight for me while I remain still may be a lesson I continue to refine until I reach Heaven—His ultimate and eternal place of protection.

Throughout Scripture, God reminds His people that He is their Protector. God told Abraham, “Do not be afraid, I am your shield.” (Genesis 15) David echoes that truth when he wrote, “You, Lord, are a shield around me.” (Psalm 3:3) Whether we face physical danger, illness, or spiritual battles, our confidence must rest in the God who is our ever-present help in a time of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

Surrender the battle to Him. Ask for His protection and be willing to receive it.

God saved my life that day, almost sixty years ago by prompting me to step away from danger. Today, He still calls me to step away from fear, striving, and battles He has already won. My part is to trust Him with what I can see and with what lies hidden beneath the surface.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How have you seen God’s protection in your life?

2. Have you stopped to thank Him for it?

3. Is there a battle waging that you need to surrender to His protection and be still?