July 3, 2016

Protect

I am so glad that we have a God who loves us and protects us. I remember a time when I had no clue of His love. I didn't know Him. I didn't know that He was pursuing me, and how many times He protected me from danger. How scary is that in today's world? In this world today we hear of so much evil, so much darkness, so much hate, so much violence! It is scary, but it is how our world is today. I can't imagine living out there in the world, and not knowing God. I can't imagine not knowing that I have a place in eternity when the time comes. I can't imagine not knowing to go to God for help, comfort, peace, forgiveness, grace, love, mercy, protection, and every other need imaginable. 

I am a property manager, and I have been in a couple of intimidating situations recently with some tenants who are what you might call "less than desirable." When they moved into the apartment several months ago, they passed my vetting process, they had excellent references, they had jobs, they were polite and respectful. They seemed like 2 great young men who just needed someone to give them a chance. Last month I seen the truth. They quit paying rent, and became very hateful towards me. I had to go put a 30 day notice on their door last week, and when I walked into the common area, I seen burn marks on the ceiling and all the way up the stairway. I took pictures, and I went straight to the Police and Fire Department. To make a long story short, the police obtained a search warrant for the entire apartment building, and when they arrived to question these young men they were hiding in the downstairs neighbors apartment in the shower. They both were arrested for obstructing justice, but released within a few days. Now I have to deal with them for another couple of weeks. Come to find out, one of them is being indicted on kidnapping charges. He held another man captive in the apartment and beat him up.

This is small town America friends, and I am in the midst of what I consider dangerous people. Here's the thing, I admit that once I saw the burn marks and still had to climb 2 stories of stairs to put an eviction notice on the door, I was scared! I wasn't sure what I was up against. But here's the other thing, on my way up the stairs, I asked God to protect me, and I felt immediate peace. I knew I would be safe right then. I knew that my Protector was with me. I knew that my help comes from the Lord!


Isn't it so awesome to know that we are never alone, and God is always with us? He is our protector! He is our strength! As we look to Him to pull us out of the mess we have gotten ourselves into, we find comfort, strength, grace, and a loving Father who will guide us and protect us! No! Matter! What! 


Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. 
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27: 3-5

I am joining Kate Motaung at Five Minute Friday where we write for 5 minutes on the prompt of the week. 
This weeks prompt is: 







8 comments:

  1. Wow that does sound scary :( So glad you are OK and you felt that incredible peace.. hope that the situation works out soon and no one else gets hurt :(

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    1. Thank you Emma. Yes, I was hoping the police could keep them from coming back, but they can't. They will be gone in 2 weeks, and I just pray nothing bad happens in the meantime. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Have a great 4th! :)

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  2. How scary! I feel more wary and scared these days and this is such a good reminder to me to find protection in God! Thanks for a great lesson Rachelle! And be careful! God Bless, Cindy

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    1. Thank you Cindy! Yes, I was definitely a little scared and uncomfortable in the beginning, but once I prayed, and realized where my help comes from, I had so much peace. I just knew I was safe. Now I am praying that July 15th, they are gone! :)

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  3. Your post is so beautiful. I will continue to pray for you and your family as you handle different renters, etc.

    Five minute Friday is very encouraging, and although I am new to the area I can tell I'll be staying a while. It is a peace to know that our Savior Jesus Christ will always be with us and protect us.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I am fairly new to blogging myself, but have found that it is something I love to do. My main issue is time. :) I am sure I am not alone in that area.

      Yes, having a constant source of protection and knowing that Jesus is with us at all times definitely gives us a sense of peace.

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  4. I am terrified of bad weather. You never know when a tornado might just drop out of the sky and devastate your family, your neighborhood. I always want Angel to say a prayer for protection when I know bad weather is coming. I am especially worried about bad weather or night when I can't see what's coming. But the truth of the matter is that God DOES protect from all those things we can't see coming. I love this post and I am glad you reminded that God is my Refuge and my Protector.

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    1. You know, I am really scared of bad weather as well. Especially when I have to drive. My body shakes uncontrollably, and I can't stay focused on driving. I have found that when I stay calm, and just call on Him, it usually clears up enough to let me drive home safely. He is all we have to count on when danger or fears creep up unexpectedly. It is amazing of how quickly the peace starts to overtake the panic!

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