‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;’
DAILY READING Luke 15; Genesis 27:1-45; Psalm 20
George Washington, America’s first president, was a man of prayer who greatly enjoyed divine protection from God. Long before becoming the American president, even as a young officer, God’s hand was clearly upon his life. In his early 20’s, Washington became an aide to the British, who were fighting the French in 1755. During a particular battle on July 9, 1755, Washington and his men were completely outnumbered and outmaneuvered by the French and Indian warriors. The Indian warriors fought from the cover of the trees, whereas the British soldiers formed perfect battle lines, shoulder to shoulder, marching out in plain sight. Within two hours, 1,000 British soldiers were killed or wounded, while only 30 French and Indian warriors were injured. One by one, the British officers were shot down until only Washington remained. The Indian chief ordered his men and said “Quick, let your aim be certain and he dies.” But round after round was aimed at this man, two horses shot out from underneath him, and still Washington was standing unharmed. Thirteen rounds in all were fired by excellent sharpshooters to no avail. An Indian soldier had seventeen clear shots at him and yet no bullet could bring him to the ground. Finally, the Indian Chief shouted, “Stop firing!” He recognized there was a power at work stronger than their weapons.
Later that night, as the wounded soldiers were being cared for, Washington assessed his own situation. Upon taking off his coat, he found 4 bullet holes had passed through his jacket but left no marks on his skin. They literally stopped before touching his body! He was indeed amazed at God’s divine protection over him.
Nine days later, in a letter to his brother to confirm that he was still alive, he wrote: “ I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot under me yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!’
This twenty-three year old officer went on to become the commander in chief of the Continental Army and the first President of the United States. And in all the years that followed, George Washington, was never injured in battle.
Indeed God protects those who trust in Him. Battles are real to life. Whether you like it or not, whether you are conscious of it or not, we are all involved in warfare, we are born into it. But though battles are real, much more real is our victory and triumph in the faith. As believers we don’t have any cause to worry, because God protects and gives victory to those who trust in Him.
The Psalmist states that while some trust in chariots and some in horses, we shall trust in the name of The Lord our God. Those who trust in chariots and horses are those who trust in human abilities and capabilities, which is an empty trust. Only God can truly protect us in this perilous times. As arrows of the wicked fly by day and by night, our only place of safety is in the Name of The Lord.
Proverbs 21:31 says ‘The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord’s.’
Indeed true safety only comes from God. If The Lord does not watch over the city, the watchmen are awake in vain. And when God gives peace, who can make trouble? Only God alone is able to keep and cover our heads in the day of battle. Therefore to survive, as the tempo of spiritual warfare increases around the world, we must build greater trust in God. We must make conscious effort to draw closer to Him more than ever before. It is our closeness to God that keeps evil away from us.
Psalm 91 says that when we make The Lord our refuge a thousand will fall by our side and ten thousand at our right hand yet it will not come near us. Indeed The name of The Lord is a strong tower, which when we run into it, we are safe.
God’s Presence is our place of guaranteed divine protection. David knew the secret of maintaining God’s Presence. This is why he gave himself to constant praise and despite all the bloody battles he fought, he was never wounded. Maintaining God’s Presence requires a life of purity, constant study of God’s Word, prayer and living in praise. And as we maintain such a lifestyle, we will be surrounded by divine presence and continually dwell under divine cover.
PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for Your protection over me and my household in this trying times. Please grant us the grace to do what it takes to always maintain Your Presence so as to always dwell under Your divine cover in Jesus Name. .
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When you obey God’s instruction you are delivered from destruction