We are deep into prophesy in our study of Daniel at my Bible Study. It is just awesome the way everything in scripture fits together. As we discussed the different interpretations of the order of events at the end of the age, some of the women said they fervently hoped the view that the church will be raptured before the tribulation is the correct one. The tribulation will be a time more horrible than we can imagine, and I could understand the fear they felt thinking we might have to go through it.

I was thinking about it this morning – thinking about the promises God has made to us in His word concerning His protection. Over and over again He tells us not to be afraid. He will never leave us or forsake us. Nothing can separate us from His love. If He is for us, who can be against us?

I was reminded of a story I have heard my mother and her sisters tell over and over again about my Grandmother. It was during the Depression, and they lived in a very poor area. The neighborhood was a rather rough one – not the sort of place you wanted to walk through after dark.

One of their neighbors – a young man with a wife who was due to have a baby shortly – was in the neighborhood bar when a terrible fight broke out. He tried to intervene and was killed. It was, of course, tragic for his young wife. She was left all alone.

My Grandmother had become the neighborhood “physician”. No one could afford doctors or hospitals, so they all came to her for help. She even acted as a midwife. She was very concerned for this young woman and promised to be with her when it was time for her to deliver her baby.

Late one night, after everyone had gone to bed, my Grandmother woke from a sound sleep. Somehow she knew it was time for that baby to be born, and she had to get to the young woman’s apartment. My Grandfather tried to prevent her from going, but she insisted. She told him to stay with the children and assured him she would be fine.

As she stepped out of her apartment into the dark, deserted street she noticed a large dog sitting right in her path. It wasn’t a dog she had ever seen before, and she tried to shoo him away. He didn’t seem at all menacing, but he wouldn’t budge so she walked around him and began to walk the few blocks to the young woman’s apartment. He followed right behind her until she reached her destination and went inside.

It was just as she somehow knew it would be; the young woman was in labor and so relieved to see my Grandmother walk in the door. The delivery went well and soon a little baby boy was cuddled safely in his mother’s arms.

My Grandmother gathered her things and left the apartment to make the lonely walk home. She opened the door and there was the big dog waiting right where she had left him. Again he followed closely behind her until she reached her own apartment. She opened the door and before going inside turned to look once more at the dog. He wasn’t there. He had simply vanished. She looked up and down the street, but he was nowhere in sight. In fact, he was never seen again.

My Grandmother was convinced that God had sent that dog to keep her safe as she made her way through that dangerous neighborhood to help someone in great need. We believe it too.

That story encourages me reminding me that in my moments of greatest need, He is always with me. I believe there are times when I am unaware of the danger around me, but He is there to protect me and keep me safe. Whatever the future holds for us as believers, we are safely held in His loving hands. Truly, He will never leave us or forsake us.

Blessings,
Linda