People like to talk about two particular topics: times when they experienced the feeling of an uncanny sense of protection while traveling; and favor to be given opportunities where they reaped great blessings. I view it as God’s way of establishing His grip on us; demonstrating His sovereign oversight in hope of securing our awareness and interest in pursuing His greater measures of grace.
RELEVANCE
As a teenager I often took long road trips. Once driving fromDetroit to New York in February, I found myself driving through a blizzard at night. An 18-wheeler was approaching at a very fast speed. A bit concerned, I steered very slightly towards the right to give it some more room. Just as it passed, the car went into a slight skid. Trying to steer properly into it didn’t work. The car began skidding all over the road. Then I saw an overpass approaching. I just closed my eyes and called out to God to save me. In a moment the car was in a snow bank on the side of the road. I had great peace. Then a truck stopped by with chains to draw the car out of the snow. God was watching over me. He was drawing me to Him.
Then there was the time I had run out of gas right past a toll booth. I got out of my car, and lo and behold, a man with a gas can was walking up to the car. He poured gasoline into the tank. I thanked him, started walking to the door, then looked back, and he was gone…
I have a friend who has experienced God’s favor in his work. He worked many years in an industry where turnover was high. It seemed every nine to eighteen months he was looking for a new job. During one long lay-off, he began developing a product he had envisioned for many years. Then an opportunity came to do contract work for a multi-billion dollar enterprise. There he was able to continue to develop and employ parts of the product. Through God’s continued favor, he has been able to develop the product and build a successful business. His clients include some of the largest multi-national enterprises. It certainly has helped having a wife who has been his greatest companion and intercessor. To my friend and many others, God has proven this simple concept:
“For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12).
REFLECT AND RELATE .
How have you noticed God watching over you? Seek Him to know His presence. He will answer with the favor that you will know His divine signature.
REFERENCES
Nehemiah 1:1-11; 6:15-16