Escape (#306 of 365+)

“Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death” (Psalm 68:20)

Joni says tomorrow is the anniversary of her diving accident—the day she
cracked her neck and became permanently paralyzed. She remembers how God gave her a deep sense of peace even as she was waiting for her sister, Kathy, to realize she was drowning.

“The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears” (Psalm 18:4-6)

The  Lord helped Joni escape death that day because it wasn’t her time. He had plans to use her life and her witness to accomplish some important work for his kingdom. She opened my eyes today when she wisely observed, “Only heaven will reveal the countless times we escape death every day. Thank him for his sovereign protection over your life—whether broken necks, broken arms, or broken fingernails, God blankets you with his protection. When your time comes to leave this earth for the next, he will provide the same ‘escape’!”

Sovereign Lord, thank you for keeping death at bay and keeping me away from danger. There must still be some unfinished work left for me to do here otherwise I’d already be home with you. Quiet my soul so I can clearly hear your voice. Help me to do your will throughout this week and beyond until my final day on earth is done. Amen.