This article first appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network
My family says I have nine lives. I say, God has rescued me more times than I can count.
Even before I knew God, He was in the business of watching over me. In the second grade, I was hit by a car. In high school, my head went through a windshield in an auto accident. At the end of my senior year of high school, I was robbed at gunpoint in a convenience store robbery. And after getting saved, getting married, and having three kids, I was struck by lightening in a storm. There may be a couple of other events I’m forgetting about, but you get the picture.
One thing I am, is grateful.
When I look back over my life (just naturally), I’m thankful the Lord was with me. I relate to the Psalmist when he said, “Unless the Lord had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave” (Psalms 94:17 NLT).
But then I can’t help but think of my life spiritually as well. As Jesus said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). I’m certain God has been my help and refuge in things I couldn’t see far more than those things I could.
The Message Translation of Psalm 94 says, “Who stood up for me against the wicked? Who took my side against evil workers? If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, ‘I’m slipping, I’m falling,’ your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up” (Psalm 94:16-19 MSG).
I’m reminded often of an Amy Grant song from 1984 called “Angels.” The song talks about how God has angels watching over us all the time— removing obstacles and rescuing us from unknown accidents. I’ve always loved that song (and never forgotten it) because I believe it. I’m sure you could list, like I did, the many things you’ve been through in this life. But I imagine there are countless other things I have no idea about.
The unseen enemy of evil has set itself against all of us. So we should never take for granted the times God has delivered us from the hidden traps of the enemy— known or unknown. But notice the Psalmist said it was God’s love that took hold and held us fast.
I say, yes!
The love of God has been the guardian of our soul all along. From start to finish, from birth to death, it is the never-ending love of God that saw us, found us, saved us, and delivered us. He could’ve so easily turned a blind eye— but He didn’t. He chose to send His love to earth to be a part of us. And then He purposefully and willingly gave His life for us.
Whereas we try desperately to avoid traps and save our own skin, Jesus stepped into the trap for us. The love of God saved us all. And naturally still does— everyday. Or at least I’m going to give Him credit for it. I’m still here for a purpose and it could only be the love of God that has saved me and held me.
“If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it.”
