Thank God for His Protection

Joshua 1:9 is probably very familiar to many of us. It’s a raw-raw pep-rally type verse to increase our boldness and courage when facing challenge.  I love the verse; it’s a favourite but the part I love the best is the last line, “for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” It’s reminiscent of Psalm 139, if you go to the height, God is there and if you go to the depths, God is also there. He is our fortress and our ever ready help in times of trouble.

This week on Kingdom Bloggers, we’re remembering God’s protection. As you read along with our stories, why not share your own remembrances in the comments.

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In recent years, I have a couple friends confess their extra-marital affairs, and both were surprised by the grace and lack of judgement I offered. I wish all Christians would receive grace from each other when we confess sin to one another – less people would be condemned to carry shameful secrets and think they are alone. I don’t make a judgement because I know how close anyone can be to making the same mistake. Truly, it is but for the grace and protection of God, go I.

Years ago, when my marriage was rocky, I was Satan’s target. I was easy-picking because at the time my Man was indifferent toward me. Indifference is worse than hatred – at least hatred is passionate. Indifference says, “It doesn’t matter whether you are here or not.”

I needed to matter to someone, and wouldn’t it happen at the time that an ex-boyfriend relocated to town. Several years prior, the relationship had ended because of distance, not because affections ran cold. He contacted me, and we had a coffee date (several, actually). It felt good to be with someone who knew me and liked me and was pleasant toward me. BUT, it never progressed further and I thank the Lord for his protection.

I am against anything that spoils the marriage bed but at the time, I would not have had the strength to resist if my ex-boyfriend made an advance toward me. I believe 100% if I had been involved in infidelity, my Man could not forgive me and our marriage would have been ruined and it would have stained my future opportunities for kingdom ministry.

1 Corinthians 10:13, 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.

Without a doubt, God protected me from myself, and our marriage bed is pure.

Because of my experience, I don’t make judgements on others who have fallen. I put boundaries around myself and exercise caution and prudence when dealing with male/female relationships so I will not put myself in the place where I can be tempted like that again.