Ultimate Protection

Photo image courtesy Tommy Van Kessel for Unsplash

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. – Isaiah 43:2

“The soldiers came to my village and began shooting at us. I watched as many of my neighbors fell. Some dead; some wounded,” said the tall dark man from halfway around the world.

I sat, breathless, as my fellow seminarian shared his testimony. He continued, “A soldier approached me and stuck his bayonet into my chest. I felt it pierce my flesh. As I looked him in the eye, the Holy Spirit’s still small voice spoke to the ears of my trembling soul the words of Psalm 91:7:

“A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.”

“The man pulled his weapon back and walked away. The Lord kept his word to me that day. I hope to return to my country some day and tell my enemies God loves them and Christ died for them.” My friend, whose name and country I’ve chosen to withhold, did return and for the past 40 years he has faithfully preached the Gospel to his countrymen.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to the king’s idol and were tossed into the fiery furnace. The Lord joined them there. They too were spared. Yet, the list of those who’ve lost their lives because they pledged allegiance to the Most High God continues to grow. These martyrs adopted the mindset of the Apostle Paul, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) For followers of Jesus, physical death opens the door to a whole new dimension of abundant life. The departure of our spirit marks the beginning of a new chapter in our never-ending happily-ever-after.

In this world we will have tribulation, pain, and suffering but we also have Jesus who never leaves us or forsakes us. When He protects us in the here-and-now, like my friend, we should praise Him. And even if He chooses not to, we should still praise Him, because when we walk through the dark valley called death, we need not fear, for Jesus has provided the ultimate protection for us: protection from condemnation. In Heaven, we will praise Him forever. We will never be tossed into the furnace of damnation, even though our sin has earned us that penalty. We stand forgiven under the protection of the Cross—under the banner of love—the standard of the King of Kings!

Questions for Reflection:

1. How has God protected you in this life?

2. When you’re going through fiery trials, how do you focus on God’s presence?