The 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.