Angels are one of our culture’s favorite symbols. Garden shops, card stores, department stores, and every type of gift store have an ample assortment of angelic items, and they sell well. Angels elicit feelings of protection, purity, and benevolence. In these days of recession, natural disaster, and international unrest, angels are the feel-good icon of choice for some. But are angels more than an icon? Do you believe in the reality of spiritual beings?
The Scriptures are replete with examples of angelic intervention in the lives of believers, all directed by a sovereign Heavenly Father to bring to fruition His ultimate plan. “But that was then,” you might say. Or some of you may be thinking, “The Scriptures are fables and fairy tales.”
I will admit, in my early years of fledgling faith I had my doubts about angels. I have never been one to easily accept what I read or what I have been told. I am a natural skeptic. I have to dig and research and have that first-hand experience. Even first-hand experience needs to be undeniable and, in the area of faith, inexplicable to me. I have argued with God at every turn. But His patience in growing my faith has been immeasurable. Thankfully, God has allowed that first-hand experience in every area of my spiritual questioning, including angels.
One of the first experiences came while we were living in St. Louis. We had a young family stay with us for a few days. They were on their way to see relatives in Michigan. It was winter, and this young couple was from Arizona. They had never driven in snow or ice, and they were driving a large, much older car with no features to assist their efforts. They were understandably concerned. Before they left, I asked if I could pray for them. They were hesitant, but they agreed. I prayed for God’s protection and provision on their trip, that angels would assist them. Of course, they thought I was nuts.
The following evening I received a call from the wife to say they had reached their destination. She said she and her husband had never experienced anything like that trip.
First off, their car broke down on the interstate in Indiana, right near an exit, a gas station with a mechanic, and a hotel. A kind stranger helped them get their car to the station. After finding out that it would be the next day before their car could be fixed, they walked over to the hotel. The price quoted for a room sent them reeling; they did not have the money. While pondering what to do, a stranger came up to them and said, “Go get your room keys; your room is covered and so are the repairs on your car.” They were in shock. They went to the front desk to confirm this information. All was confirmed. They turned to thank the stranger, and he was gone.
The next day’s drive to Michigan was harrowing for them. They traveled through blizzard conditions. She said there were cars in the ditches on both sides of the interstate for miles, but her husband felt no slippage, no uncertainty under the wheels. He commented as he drove, “I feel like I’m not the one driving this car.”
By the time she finished her story, she was crying. She said, “You can pray for us any time. We believe.”
I was on my way to visit my dad in Louisiana several years ago. The flight required a stop in the Atlanta airport and a plane change. This trip was prior to my bilateral hip replacements, so walking was difficult and painful. If you’ve ever changed planes in Atlanta when time is limited, you know it’s a challenge even for the able-bodied. All the way to Atlanta I prayed God would help me get to my connecting flight in time. Once I deplaned, I glanced around to get my bearings. Surprisingly, a stranger came up to me and asked, “Do you need help?” I was relieved. I explained my situation.
The stranger said, “I’ll help you to your train,” referring to the method of transport required for the next terminal and gate. This individual navigated the crowds and practically carried me when my pain intensified. We barely made the train. As I took a step to board, I turned to thank the man. He was gone.
I have a close friend whose brother was critically injured in a car accident. She stayed bedside with him for months. One nurse in particular was especially compassionate and comforting, spending a surprising amount of time with her. My friend noted her name from her nametag and decided she would do something to thank her when the ordeal was over. After her brother was released, she went back to the nurse’s station with a gift for the kind servant. She gave those at the desk the woman’s name. They had never heard of her. In fact, no one on the floor had any recollection of a nurse by that name.
Coincidence? Dumb luck? A figment of imagination? I think not. I’ve heard countless similar stories from others. I don’t believe God always promises protection to His children. After all, the death rate within the community of believers is the same as the general public. And the Scriptures clearly indicate that trial and suffering are often allowed for good for His ultimate glory. But God decides when that protection works into His overall plan, and He has creative ways to keep us covered.
Yes, I’m a skeptic, especially when it comes to the unseen – those seemingly hocus-pocus moments in life. But experience has convinced me of the reality of angelic intervention.
How about you? Do you have stories to share? I would love to hear them. Leave a comment and encourage others.
Joy in Jesus,
Jacquee