Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. (Genesis 28:15, CSB)
One of my indulgences is riding motorcycles. While fun, these two-wheeled (and three-wheeled) vehicles are not the most practical or safe method of travel for me. Even though it is not as safe as my car, safety is still of primary importance. I wear a helmet and am much more defensive and alert while riding. Is that a lack of faith in God’s protection?
To answer that question, we must look to Jesus. One of the temptations Satan used was to test this promise. “Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Matthew 4:5–6, CSB) Jesus countered with, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” (Matthew 4:7, CSB) Taking prudent protection is not a lack of faith, quite the opposite. If we are intentionally testing God’s promises, do we really believe them?
This is not to say that we walk around this world in bubble wrap. Or that storms and troubles will not come our way. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and the rivers will not overwhelm you, When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched and the flame will not burn you.” (Isaiah 43:2, CSB) Things will happen, God promises to be with us when they do.
We must also admit that some cry out in agony – where was God when… Why didn’t He protect me (or a loved one)? Why did He let evil happen? I don’t know why God prevents some tragedies and allows others to happen. The Apostle Paul concluded, “and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12, CSB)
He is my rock, Christ is my strong tower, especially when harmful and hurtful arrows come my way. Sometimes that’s not easy. Like Peter, we often take our eyes off of Jesus and become fearful of the waves. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.” (Proverbs 18:10, CSB)
Other verses for this promise (Compiled by David Wilkerson)
- Genesis 28:15
- Psalm 4:8
- Proverbs 1:33
- Psalm 27:1
- Deuteronomy 33:12
- Psalm 91:11
- Proverbs 18:10
- Psalm 91:2
- 2 Timothy 1:12
- Psalm 138:7
- Exodus 33:22
- Psalm 91:1
- 1 Peter 3:13
- Psalm 125:2
- Psalm 34:7
- Isaiah 43:2
- Psalm 34:19
- Psalm 32:7
- Psalm 20:6
- Psalm 18:32
- Psalm 46:1
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