God’s Direction is for our Protection

I’m gonna get you…

My sons had turned our dining table and kitchen island into something similar to a figure-eight race track traversed by two pint-sized, foot-powered drivers filled with road rage.

One had done something to the other and an all-too familiar altercation ensued as the younger one chased the older intent on inflicting bodily harm.

Mooooommmmm. HELP!

My older son screeched out his plea for protection.

As calmly as I could, I told him to have a seat on the bench at our table so that I could stand between him and his brother’s flailing fists.

But he was too afraid to stop running and climb up behind me. He continued to bolt from his brother while lapping the kitchen several more times screaming for me to save him.

“I can’t protect you, if you won’t do what I say.”

Despite the chaos swirling around my kitchen, the gravity of that statement hit me full force as soon as the words left my mouth.

How often have I petitioned God for protection while running from His direction?

How many times have I cried out to God to help me as I continued to turn a deaf ear to His instruction?

I look for His wisdom, but don’t make time in my day for Him. I ask for Him to guard my marriage yet refuse to submit to my husband. I beseech Him to take care of my children, but don’t teach them His ways. I want Him to shield me in an uncomfortable situation, yet won’t lay down my pride. I want Him to protect my prosperity, but have trusted more in money and fame than in Him. I beg Him to keep me from harm but, continue to act recklessly. I call on Him to protect my reputation, but proceed in gossip-worthy activities. I pray for healing, but won’t treat my body as the temple He created it to be.

My Heavenly Father is not obligated to provide protection when I fail to do as He says.

Not that God is incapable of anything, but rather by my sin I place myself under the authority of another, inferior ruler. One who seeks only my demise and rejoices as my transgressions increase my vulnerability to his attacks. However, for the sake of His Son’s sacrifice, God has delivered believers from the power of darkness and conveyed us into His Kingdom (Colossians 1:13). With our belief, He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide, protect, and lead us in all truth (John 16:13).

Jesus was punished once and for all for our transgressions to ensure salvation for those who believe in Him. As children of God we can expect to be disciplined for our sins. This is sanctifying, purifying, cleansing work, not punishment. Our salvation is not dependent on our ability to obey His commands, but Proverbs 2:7-8 tells us that protection is conditional:

“He holds victory in store for the upright,

He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

For He guards the course of the just and

Protects the way of His faithful ones.”

We are made upright, blameless, just, and faithful by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. When we submit ourselves to Him, the devil will flee from us (James 4:7). When we walk in obedience to Him, His Word assures us that we will live, prosper, and prolong our days (Deuteronomy 5:33). We may not understand all His ways, but those who trust and obey are able to walk in the assurance of His eternal protection.

God’s direction is for our protection.

Dear Father, Thank you for Your flawless direction in my life. Help me all my days to walk where Your Holy Spirit guides me, so that I may be found blameless and bold in the face of trouble. Teach me to trust and obey You in all things. As I follow where you lead, surround me with Your perfect protection. In Jesus name, Amen.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you in all truth.”

John 16:13

Linking up with Women with Intention and Mommy Moments.