The towering summit of North America’s tallest mountain loomed in the distance as I trekked through the Alaskan wilderness with the invincibility of a 21-year-old. I was alone, dozens of miles from civilization and the dusky midnight sky made it hard to see the path in front of me. As the bushes along the path rustled, I prayed for God’s protection and kept pressing forward.
I knew I could be mauled by a grizzly at any moment. I’d already walked close to 30 miles throughout the past 12 hours, and I wouldn’t reach the cabin for at least two more hours.
I knew it was unwise to walk through the wilderness alone and unarmed at night. Nonetheless, I loved the adventure of exploring wild places. I felt free and alive in the mountains, and I was willing to take unwise risks for the sake of the journey.
Looking back, I thank God for protecting me despite my indiscretion.
God’s Protection
God has been in the business of protecting you as well.
Just as he protected me throughout my many Alaskan adventures, he often protects us when our lack of wisdom leads to indiscretion. But this isn’t the only way God protects us.
Often, his protection feels like disappointment and frustration. He permits difficult breakups and shattered hopes as he protects us from paths that are not best for our lives. He closes doors of opportunity for jobs, relationships, and dreams because he has better plans in store for us.
Last year, I faced a discouraging setback in my writing career. As I reflected on the disappointment recently, God reminded me of my adventures in Alaska. I remembered walking through the twilight as the willows rustled beside me. God reminded me that just as he protected me then, he is still protecting me now. What feels like disappointment is often God’s loving hand protecting us from paths that aren’t best for our lives.
God is protecting you today as well. He goes before you and behind you, and he is worthy of your trust.
Do you feel disappointed with the way some part of your life has turned out?
Ask the Lord to show you the ways in which this disappointment might be his way of protecting you.
Bible Verses About the Lord’s Protective Arms
Here are some Truths to cling to as you ask God to help you lean into his protective arms.
1. The Lord won’t let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Cor. 10:13).
2. God wants to give you refuge in the shadow of his wings.
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed (Psalm 57:1).
3. The Lord protects us from evil attacks.
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one (2 Thess. 3:3).
4. The Lord upholds us.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
5. The Lord keeps us blameless before his throne, thanks to Jesus.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it (2 Thess. 5:23-24).
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Stacey Pardoe
Featured Image by Jonathan Wheeler on Unsplash
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