It was during World War II that a United States Marine found himself isolated from his unit on a Pacific Island. He had become separated from his comrades when intense fighting and crossfire had begun that caused him to lose touch with his comrades in the battle.
He was alone in the dense jungle when he heard enemy soldiers nearing his location. He made a scramble for cover as he found his way up a high ridge where there were several small caves in the rock. He quickly took cover inside one of the caves.
He felt safe—but just for the moment. He knew the enemy soldiers would be looking for him and would come up the ridge. As they did so, they would certainly search all the caves.They would find him and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, “Lord, if it be Your will, please protect me. Whatever You will, though; I love You and trust you. Amen.”
As he waited silently in the cave, he noticed a spider had begun to build a web over the opening of the cave. As he watched the spider, he could also hear the enemy approaching below and searching for him all the while. He thought to himself, “What I need is a brick wall, and all that God has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor.”
The enemy soldiers drew closer and closer. The Marine watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they approached his cave, he got ready to make his last stand. He was amazed when they glanced in the direction of his cave, but then just moved on.
It was at that moment that he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered it for quite a while!
“Lord, forgive me,” he prayed. “I had forgotten that in You, a spider’s web is stronger than a brick wall.”
- Author Unknown
In one of God’s Other Ways© He answered the Marine’s prayer and protected him.
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There is nothing wrong with asking for physical protection from God, as long as we realize He does not always see fit to grant it. He knows we are strengthened by the trials that come our way, and in each physical trial, we are assured of His spiritual protection. So, rather than seeking complete physical protection from God, we can agree with James when he says:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2–3).
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
(Note: This verse says to trust in the Lord with all your heart. It doesn’t say to trust in yourself. It doesn’t say try to figure everything out.)
“Sometimes when things are falling apart they may actually be falling into place.” - Unknown
“Faith is trusting God even when you don’t understand His plan.” - Unknown
God’s resources to protect each of us are vast. When we pray for protection, we must believe that He hears us, and that He is able to provide what we have asked for…not necessarily like we think it should be or expect it to be; but knowing that with His great skill and deep love for us…nothing is impossible…sometimes even with an unexpected bit of humor!
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If you have a story that you think might bless others, I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.
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