God delivers us from our greatest enemy: ourselves!

Dr J Hernes M Abante

Psalm 116:6-8: “The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

[7] Return unto thy rest, my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. [8] For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.”

There is always an opposing side to everything. It is a blessing to know that God provides refuge to rescue us from someone trying to hurt us. While it is best to dwell on the brighter and positive side of life, knowing that God protects us from our enemies makes us more thankful to Him. God’s acts of grace send a message that we are precious in His sight so that no harm will befall us.

We do not deserve God’s protection, nor are we entitled to believe that we do. He protects due to His enduring mercy and extraordinary grace, motivated by His abundant love.

The Lord's protection extends beyond external enemies, such as the Devil and worldly systems, who seek to harm, destroy, or hinder us. The most significant protection He offers is when He enables us to overcome our primary adversary—ourselves. This occurs particularly when we are unable to discern right from wrong or to make righteous decisions. God shields us when we live irresponsibly, engaging in unnecessary risks for transient pleasures.

Protection from ourselves is crucial because it is our own actions that permit sinful behaviors to oppose God's will. External enemies have no influence over us unless we allow it. Choosing to obey God, the devil, the world, or self is ultimately within our power. As God’s children, we have access to all spiritual weapons necessary to overcome and triumph over temptation.

Regarding divine protection, I share my miraculous testimony:

Temptation is not solely external; it also originates from within, stemming from the sinful nature inherent in all humanity, including believers. This encompasses all worldly and carnal desires. For example:

God guards us against severe illnesses that may arise from neglecting healthy living. In my youth, my poor dietary habits led to heart issues, diabetes, gout, and more. Nonetheless, the Lord's protection has preserved my life from more grave consequences, including death.

Further, God's protection extends to our reckless decisions. Countless times, we have driven beyond speed limits, often neglecting adequate rest before long journeys. God does not endorse such sins; rescue from accidents does not imply His approval. Instead, His grace allowed me, for instance, to retain my driver's license after receiving a speeding penalty, under the condition of a warning—an act of divine grace.

My experience of dozing off while driving to various locations, yet avoiding serious accidents, exemplifies God's protective mercy. Similarly, in 1980, I deviated from God, akin to Jonah, pursuing selfish ambitions in the United States. Yet, God provided for my basic needs even when I lacked financial resources, employment, and stable housing, eventually guiding me back to His fold and transforming my mistakes into opportunities for His glory.

I am certain you have personal testimonies of God's preservation and protection from dire outcomes. It is essential to understand that God does not tolerate sin or irresponsible behavior. We survive and overcome not because of our innocence but through His grace, fulfilling his greater purpose in our lives.