THIS TIME OF year in Oklahoma is often referred to as “storm season.” We frequently hear the local warning of sirens alerting us to impending storms. These storms can quickly evolve into a tornado that can destroy everything in its path. I’m no stranger to storms. As a young child, I remember my mother taking me to our neighbor’s storm cellar every time a storm arose. Even if the storm struck in the middle of the night, my mom woke me up and took me—sometimes in heavy rain—to the storm shelter.
I’m reminded of the fierce storm the Apostle Paul faced in Acts chapter 27. He was a prisoner aboard a ship scheduled to set sail. Because it was the time of year when sailing was dangerous, Paul warned those in command not to sail. He said, “Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives” (Acts 27:10). However, the centurion refused to listen to Paul and continued with the voyage.
“ T h e L o r d w i l l g u i d e y o u a lway s ; h e w i l l s a t i s f y y o u r n e e d s i n a s u n - s c o r c h e d l a n d a n d w i l l s t r e n g t h e n y o u r f r a m e . Y o u w i l l b e l i k e a w e l l - wat e r e d g a r d e n , l i k e a s p r i n g w h o s e wat e r s n e v e r fa i l . ”
A storm indeed arose and the captain and crew began throwing everything overboard in an effort to save the ship. The storm became so treacherous that all hope of being saved was abandoned. “Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, ‘Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island.” (Acts 27:21–26 NLT)
God often warns His children of impending danger, but too many of us fail to heed His warnings. We would be wise to listen and obey. When I was a teenager, my friend and I wanted to drive from my home in Texas to her relative’s home in Oklahoma. My father did not want me to go. After I begged him, He reluctantly gave his permission. On the way to Oklahoma, we encountered a terrible storm. The storm grew so intense we could not even see the road. Carefully we pulled over to what we hoped was the side of the road. Large balls of hail began beating against our car. I literally thought that I was going to die.
I did some quick repenting for not listening to my father. Although my friend and I arrived safely at our destination, I learned a good lesson. I should have obeyed my father. Since that experience, if I ever feel a check in my spirit while traveling, I always look to the Lord for His direction concerning the matter.
God is concerned about our safety. It is important to claim His promises on a daily basis. I always claim Psalm 91, verses 10–11 (AMPC) for my family. “There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].”
I have witnessed God’s protecting power on many occasions. One day we heard the sound of a tornado passing over our house. Our son, who was a teenager at the time, heard the noise first. Because I had so emphasized Psalm 91 to our children, he immediately began quoting it. The tornado passed over us and touched down a mile away.
The Lord has protected us from car accidents. Once as I was preparing to go out of town, something on the inside told me to wait. I ended up leaving an hour later than I had intended. While on my trip, I encountered a traffic jam and came upon a bad accident. I realized if I had left home when I had intended, I could have been in it.
I encourage you to call upon the protecting power of God. Then be sensitive to His voice, and He will warn you of things to come. If you sense a check in your spirit about something, heed that warning. It pays to listen to the Voice of the Lord.
Author
Lynette Hagin
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