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“And they journeyed, and the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. ”  Genesis 35:5  (NKJV)

In this Bible story about Jacob’s move from Shechem to Bethel, we see that God protected his family from being attacked by placing fear in the people they would have to pass. God still protects His children by various means. This came home to my husband and me in a powerful way last week.

My eighty-something husband and I live in a wooded area accessed by a gravel road. We love living there, but there are only two routes from our home to town. One is the easy drive over straight roads. The less traveled route is the narrow scenic road through the woods, around curves, up hills and down,  and over a creek. The creek can only be crossed on a one-lane bridge, so you must be alert for traffic coming toward you around the curve.

Last week, the autumn leaves were so beautiful we decided to take the scenic road. We enjoyed the red and gold colors of the trees as we drove. As we rounded the curve and descended the hill, we saw a car blocking the bridge at the far end. A man stood beside it, waving for us to come closer. My husband slowed our car, trying to size up the situation. He decided not to enter the narrow bridge, knowing that if we went further, we would be unable to turn around. We sat there trying to decide what to do while the man continued to motion frantically for us to come closer.

When he realized we weren’t coming, he walked the thirty feet to us. He went to the driver’s side window and said he couldn’t start his car. My husband asked if he was out of gas. No. Was it the starter? No. The battery? No. He went down a list of possible problems, getting a “no” answer every time. We asked if we could call someone for him. He said no, a little too emphatically.

Then, we saw the man’s demeanor change. While we remained where we were, he turned and strode quickly back to his car. He reached into the weeds beside the road for something, started his car, and took off, spinning his tires as he went.

We don’t know what the man was up to. Clearly, he was lying about not being able to start his car. We could only imagine what he would have done to us if we had driven onto the bridge or exited our vehicle. But we know the Lord rescued us from danger. Our hearts were filled with overwhelming gratitude.

As I rejoiced over his protection, a question formed in my mind: Can we expect God always to rescue those of us who are His children? What about accidents and disease? What about Christians who are persecuted and martyred? Sometimes, in His great love, He protects. Other times, sin—our own or that of others—will lead to harmful consequences. No, God will not always protect us the way we would like in every situation, but we know that He will always protect our souls and strengthen us in danger (Matt. 5:11–12;  Acts 5:41–42). And when we step into Heaven, our final reward will be worth it.

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for watching over us so many times in many different ways—both when we are aware and when we are unaware of Your hand of protection. And when You don’t protect us precisely the way we want, may we still acknowledge Your sovereignty and give You all our praise and gratitude.

 For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life