Seeking God's protection in prayer and repentance.

Do You Have God's Protection?

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Why is it that we human beings, created in the image of God, generally ignore our Creator until some tragedy or calamity strikes? Is it because many of us by nature are procrastinators? Historically, the servants of God have always urged the human family to seek God now—not wait for some so-called deathbed repentance.

A friend of mine fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. As a young American soldier of 18, he with his comrades faced incoming artillery shells exploding all around them. My friend told me, "There were no atheists there that day. The men were trying to remember all their childhood prayers in that frightening attack."

The Apostle Paul told the scholarly Athenians, "Truly these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30). You need to establish a relationship with the Creator and His Son, Jesus Christ, if you haven't already. God promises guidance, blessings, and protection for those who love Him, obey Him, and serve him.

Notice this promise in the book of Psalms. "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Psalm 34:7). Yes, God will give divine protection to those who reverence Him. Read Psalm 91. God here also promises protection for those who trust in Him.

Today we face many dangers. Our children may be gunned down at their school; terrorist bombings threaten the normal routine of society; highway accidents bring grief to many thousands every year; wars and regional hostilities are also killing thousands every year. And now we face the uncertainty of a world shaped by a major pandemic and dramatic political and economic instability!

Let's understand. God does allow Christians to suffer persecution and to experience trials to test their faith, but He also gives spiritual strength and power to His children to endure and overcome!

We all face our own personal tribulations. But don't wait for them before reforming your life and submitting to the Creator of the Universe. Read your Bible. Respond now to the love and instructions of your Lord. As the prophet Isaiah urges us in Isaiah 55:6–7, "Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."

Now is the time to seek God's love. Pray to the Creator with all your heart—and if you're willing to truly serve Him and obey Him, then claim His promises of divine protection!

Tomorrow's World and the Living Church of God offer many helpful materials on the subject of prayer. You may be encouraged to watch Mr. Ames' recent telecast, "Five Keys to Answered Prayer."

  Originally Published: 06th January 2005