“During my time here, I have kept them safe. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.“John 17:12 TLB
Why do we have security systems in place? For protection; because, there is the possibility of an intruder. In some parts of the world when thieves want to visit your house, they let you know in advance, even though that’s not the normal practice. Many houses are protected against intruders through the use of burglar proofing, cameras, security men, dogs etc. We usually take measures to protect ourselves from being robbed and attacked, but many times, we forget that, there is a spiritual intruder who is going about to and fro looking for ways in which to destroy us as said 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8, KJV).
One thing we know about the thief is that he comes to steal ( joy, peace, health etc) to kill (families, businesses, friendships, relationships with God etc) and destroys.(John 10:10).
The good news is that , the shepherd of our souls does not slumber or sleep , he is always looking and seeking and fighting and warning his sheep. “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.(Psalm 121:4)
One of the ways the Lord protects and keeps us safe is by his word. This is because through His word, He directs our paths. Psalm 119:105.
Another way the Lord guides us is through dreams; just like he directed Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt when Herod was looking for Jesus. (Matt 2:11-23)
The Lord protects his own. He sees the enemy coming and he takes measures to protect his sheep. I remember the week my son was born, I had a dream and saw Jesus who told me that where I was standing was death and that there was a wind coming so I should turn and go back. When I turned, I realised that I had crossed a border without realising it, and I thought to myself that if I turn to go back the security guards at the border will not allow me to cross to the other side; I turned back anyway, and they allowed me to cross over. A few days after, I went into labour months before my due date; and as if that was not enough, I nearly lost my life at the hospital. The wind indeed blew as the Lord had told me. I could have been in heaven by now with the cloud of witnesses looking on and encouraging the saints 🥳😂 . It was a very scary moment, but the shepherd was right there as always. This is not the first or the last warning I have received from the Lord, there have been numerous messages from Him which have shaped and guided my path. The verse above says “I guarded them“.
There is a verse the Lord gave me very early in my Christian walk in Jeremiah 20:11 which says “ But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.”
May we find comfort and direction in the word of God.
Amen 🙏
Chara-Joy 🌸 