Category Archives: Protection

Divine Exits…

13 Wednesday May 2020

Posted by in Faith, Obedience, Protection, Surrender, Trust, Uncategorized

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Lately, I have been asking God to release me OUT OF old assignments and INTO new ones. This has been a fervent prayer of mine and I’ve been spending more and more time with Him because I really have need of His wisdom and revelation.  It was while in prayer that He showed me something quite amazing: enclosed garden I saw myself in an enclosed garden surrounded by incredibly beautiful leaves, flowers and foliage so thick that I could not see past them. I was closed in  from above, beneath and all around.  I was perplexed as to why I was surrounded by such awesome beauty when where I was in my life did not look nor feel “beautiful” at all. 

My friend, have you ever been in a situation that seemed impossible, frustrating and hopeless?  Where there seemed to be absolutely no way out? Perhaps you initially prayed for where you are but now it feels as if the grace to endure has been lifted. What if I told you that God has an exit plan, a divine exit that He created just for you and your circumstance?

Exit-strategy

Throughout the Word of God there have been countless divine exits preordained by God. Come with me, my friend as we recall just a few starting with the Israelites.

The Israelites had been in bondage for over 400 years and endured painful circumstances under Egyptian oppression. (Exodus 12:40-41) But God had a plan, a divine exit. The Bible says that they boldly left Egypt while their oppressors were distracted mourning and burying their first born. He even gave them favor as they left. (Exodus 11:3, 12:31-36)

After leaving Egypt they came to the Red Sea with their oppressors swiftly pursuing after them. (Exodus 14:10) But God had a plan, a divine exit. The Israelites were instructed to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. They were also told that the Lord would fight for them and that they should hold their peace. Then God miraculously opened the door to their exit by lifting the vast waters, allowing them to walk safely and securely on dry land. (Exodus 14).

Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten and placed in the inner part of the jail with their feet chained. But God had a plan, a divine exit. While Paul and Silas were praying and worshipping God caused an earthquake that shook the foundation of the jail causing all of the prison doors to open and loosening all of the prisoners from their chains. (Acts 16:16-26)

Lot and his wife were in Sodom and Gomorrah when it was determined that the two cities would be destroyed by the raining down of burning sulfur. But God had a plan, a divine exit. They were given the chance to leave and avoid the devastation and destruction. (Genesis 19) I could go on!

My friend, who or what is your oppressor? What Red Seas are you facing? What has you chained and in bondage? What is burning down around you giving urgency to your exit? In each of these situations, God knew where His children were and where they needed to be. And He had a plan to divinely lead them out. They seemed to be closed in with no door of exit in natural sight. They had all cried out to God for their departures – And God came through just as He is coming through for you.

My friend, have you ever been to a movie theater and didn’t notice the red Exit sign that was right in front of you? That sign had always been there. It was only that you suddenly became aware of it. The builder of the theater had factored an exit, in fact several exits before he even began laying down a single stone. So it is with God. His Word says that before you were formed in your mother’s womb He knew you. Before you were born He set you apart. (Jeremiah 1:5) And as your Creator He predestined divine exits before He formed the Heavens and the earth just for you. (Psalm 146:6)

In our waiting, God is working

After some time, God revealed to me the meaning of my standing in the enclosed garden. The beauty that surrounded me in a painful and difficult season was His loving protection, provision, mercy and grace. The LORD, our God knows how to care for His children. Even when it seems that He is not with you, He is. He promises to never, ever leave you nor forsake you. My friend, even in seasons of heartbreak and disappointment GOD is present (Psalm 34:18). He comforts (John 14:26), orders our steps (Psalm 37:23, Proverbs 16:9), and protects us (Psalm 91, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 34;19). I am excited that we have a Father who is is able to make a way for us even in the wilderness. (Isaiah 43:19)

Be encouraged, my friend and let’s give God praise for our predestined divine exits. Let’s give glory to the King of kings and Lord of lords who has already gone before us and made the crooked paths straight. (Isaiah 45:2) Let’s fast and cry out to God to reveal to us His secrets. (Jeremiah 33:3) And soon the exits that have been there all along will be revealed and opened to us. I don’t know about you but I am ever so excited. I can vividly see us, my friend, on the other side of our divine exits with eyes filled with tears of joy as we look around and see that our Heavenly Father has come through for us, YET AGAIN!

 

So, what’s on the other side of the door for you?

05 Sunday May 2013

Posted by in Faith, Protection, Surrender

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scared to open doorThe other day I met with a new student at work. She is one of my many children that has endured so very much in her sweet young 16 years. She has been in foster care since birth, which has resulted in multiple home and school transitions. My heart softens to hear their stories and I am always amazed at their resilience.

While she and I were sitting in my office we heard a loud noise at the door. It wasn’t a knocking but a very strong shaking. We both looked and said that it was strange, or “kinda spooky” as she put it. It happened again, then again and again. In my desire to protect her I told her, “Don’t be afraid. You’re with me and I’ll protect you.” She stepped aside. A fearlessness had risen inside of me and I was ready to go to battle for her if something broke down the door. I honestly felt that whatever was on the other side of that door would have to get through me to get to her.

This, my friend is what happens with GOD. His love for you is infinite, unconditional, compassionate and sacrificial. And this boundless love for you compels Him to defend, protect and fight for you. He boldly stands between you and whatever is ‘at the door’ causing you to worry or live in fear and anxiety. And when you decide to step aside by surrendering the circumstance to Him you give Him permission and room to move mightily on your behalf. He promises to fight for you (Exodus 14:14). He promises to defend you (Jeremiah 51:36). You are a child of GOD. And that means that anything, and I do mean anything, on the other side of that door is nothing compared to the GOD you serve. He is more than able to remove every obstacle standing before you.

At times GOD may not immediately stop what’s at the door by changing your circumstances but He may choose to change you instead. GOD did not prevent the three Hebrews boys from experiencing the fiery furnace. Instead He chose to be in the midst of it with them. For it was King Nebuchadnezzar that said that he saw a fourth person in the fire and “it looks like the Son of GOD” (Daniel 3:1-30). So, at times like this we are to trust His wisdom when He says that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). We are to trust His love when He says that He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). And we are to trust His power and might when He says that all power and might belongs to Him (Psalm 62:11). GOD always has a purpose and plan in every situation (Jeremiah 29:11). And He is always mindful of you. So, my friend it is always safe to step aside and allow Him to protect you. As a child of GOD, you do not have to defend or fight for yourself.

So, my friend, may I ask what’s on the other side of the door for you? Is it a foreclosure, mounting bills, family pressure? Could it be the temptation to retreat to an addiction or repetitive sin? Perhaps it’s a threatening boss or spouse? Or is it simply the unknown? The Bible says in Isaiah 53:19 that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him. Notice it says ‘when’ and not ‘if.’ There will always be something at the door attempting to instill fear, worry and doubt in our hearts and we are to not consider it strange (1 Peter 4:12). Because there will always be a battle to steal your joy, peace and faith. But there is nothing in existence that can contend with the GOD we serve. Absolutely nothing!

The young girl I’d just met could’ve rejected my desire to fight for her and could’ve decided to fight for herself but perhaps it was the strength, confidence, and peace in my voice that made her step aside. Whatever it was she put her trust in a 5’6 120lb (Ok, 140lb) stranger. How much more will your Heavenly Father protect you when He has all resources, power and might at His disposal? Step aside my friend and throw all of your trust in GOD. He is faithful to reward those who throw all of their faith and trust in Him. Step aside and receive His comfort, wisdom, guidance and peace. He is trustworthy and faithful. When GOD made His promise to Abraham He swore by Himself because there is no one greater (Hebrews 6:13). That’s the GOD that says be still and know that I am GOD (Psalm 46:10). That’s the GOD that promises to never leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). And that my friend is GOD, your Heavenly Father.

I truly hope this message blesses you. I see the LORD, our GOD moving mightily on your behalf as you exercise your faith by stepping aside. And I am ever so excited for you.