Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Angel Circles

God’s angel sets
up a circle of
protection around
us while we pray.

Psalm 34:7 (The Message)

The political environment at the time was such that religious freedom had been abolished. There were serious consequences for anyone who expressed or practiced belief in God. Undeterred and yet knowing that their lives were at stake, three young men boldly prayed and committed their lives to God. The next thing they remember was laying face down on a glowing floor surrounded by white heat. Once they realized that they were still breathing they stood up and discovered that they weren’t alone. Walking around them was God’s angel. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walked out of the furnace whole.

It’s an old story but it doesn’t make it any less true. Google “angel stories” on the internet and you’ll find hundreds of personal accounts where people have experienced an encircling angel. Granted, many of the accounts crave belief in angels while being skeptical about the existence of God. Nevertheless, most people want to believe they have some kind of angelic protection. We can't bear to think that we’re in this world alone.

God, as well as His promised protection, is reality for the Jesus follower. No matter the circumstances or the surrounding darkness He has promised to respond to our prayers with an angel circle. When we're not able to see something with our eyes we can become skeptical about its reality. However, what we can experience emotionally and spiritually as a result of our prayers is a true reality "show"—we can, like Daniel’s friends, walk through fire and come out whole.


Thank you God for Your protecting angel circles.
Help me to understand more each
day that while I may walk through fire
I will come out whole.
Amen.
The image used with this devotional is from South African artist, Magrit Prigge titled, Fiery Furnace. For more of her art check out www.missionaryarts.com

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