Day 16 – Unexpected protection

“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” 2 Thessalonians 3:3

I was making my way home one evening. The sun had just set, and the dark shapes of the trees felt eerie in the darkness and I noticed the streetlights not working as I slowed down to stop at a traffic light. I was the only car on the road, and I felt an unexplainable cold chill. I put the radio a little louder as if the noise of music was going to drive away the feeling.

The next sound I heard was deafening and unexplainable and it felt like the air around me imploded on me. My first thought was, “Have I been in an accident?” as I realized the noise, I heard was glass breaking. With half his body already through the passenger side window, his hands were grabbing in the dark for anything he could find to make his effort worthwhile.

We have 3 natural responses of reaction: flight, freeze, or fight. Mine is to fight. I immediately started hitting him and he pulled himself out of the window. But by the time he was on his feet and heading for the shrubs on the side of the road, I was out of the car ready to give chase. But something stopped me. As he ran, he suddenly stopped and turned to look at me and I will never forget his face. Then he ran into a curtain of darkness.

I got back in the car. Shocked, angry, and with a feeling of utter vulnerability. Did that happen? I knew at that moment that if I did not take control of my emotions, the trauma would be much greater for me to deal with later. So, I prayed and proclaimed that I was not a victim, that I forgive this person for doing what he did, and that he may have the opportunity someday to meet Jesus and repent of his criminal activities. I immediately felt God’s unexplainable peace, calmness, and sense of protection.

I stopped at home with my youngest daughter waiting in the driveway because I was late. She saw my face and ran to call my husband. After he assessed what happened he pulled me out of the car and turned me around and around while going over my body. I did not understand what was going on. Then he said, “Thank God, it is not your blood.” I looked down at my shirt splattered with small drops of blood and realized that he must have cut himself in the glass shards as he was hanging in the car trying to steal something. And on the passenger seat was a knife. He was not trying to smash and grab me, he intended to hurt me but couldn’t get close. I could only thank and praise God for my protection. He is always at work and always on guard even when we don’t expect it.

I share this testimony not from a victim perspective, but from a protected perspective because that night I realized God is true to His Word protecting us from the evil one. Love, Pastor Iriza.

Prayer: Father, I pray that whoever reads this testimony be blessed and learn that immediate forgiveness in any situation makes us the victor in Christ Jesus and not a victim of this world. I thank You for Your ever protection from the evil one and that You shield us. Amen.