Your Daily Devotional for April 3, 2006

April 3, 2006

 

A Father’s Protection

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

Isaiah 43:1, 2

 

Across the world people endure earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and other types of calamities. Most strike without warning and can consume an area very quickly.

 

Personal disasters tend to strike without warning and can be consuming as well. Suddenly, the phone rings and you’re needed at the hospital; there’s a situation at work; or there’s a problem with one of your children. You may be taken by surprise by such a sudden turn of events, but God isn’t. When the unexpected disaster seems to overtake you, He says, “I am with you.”

 

In the above Scripture, Isaiah prophesied God’s future restoration and protection upon Israel.  He reminded them through this analogy of a way that He protected them in the past. Speaking of the flood, He says that when the rivers rage, ”they shall not overflow thee.”

 

The Bible also tells about Pharaoh’s army in pursuit of the children of Israel as they left Egypt. In Exodus 13:21 and 22, we can read of God’s protection for His people. “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”

 

The lesson from these passages is clear: When God has determined that He will protect you, you’re invincible until He calls you home. Just as God guided the children of Israel by day and night, He will guide you through difficult times that will come in your life. God promises to protect His children, and then He provides that protection. Why? “… for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” You have been bought with a price; you are one of His children; and you are valuable to God.

 

One summer I took my family on vacation to Durango, Colorado, and we stayed at a ski resort that had a mile-long alpine slide made of concrete. My children thought it would be fun to race down that slide, so we piled into a cart, pulled a lever, and off we went.

 

As our speed increased, we found ourselves racing down the straight-aways and tossed from side to side as we zoomed around the slide’s curves. A few seconds later it became apparent that something was wrong with one of the wheels. It began to wobble uncontrollably, and suddenly the cart flew out from under us.

 

Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around my daughter. As I skidded along the concrete, flesh from my right leg and arm peeled away, but still I held her close, cradling her with my body and protecting her from harm.

 

As much love as we have for our own children, God’s love for us is infinitely greater. If you’re living in the will of God and your heart is for Him, when a sudden trial does come, you can be sure that God is with you. John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace….” Peace is not found in the absence of trouble; it is found in the presence of God. His arms are available to you if you’ll let Him love and encourage you through the body called the church, the presence of His Holy Spirit, or through Bible verses. Spend time in His Word today and experience the peace He offers through His promise of protection.

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