A friend of mine fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. As an 18-year-old American soldier, he joined his comrades in facing incoming artillery shells exploding all around them. My friend told me, "There were no atheists there that day. The men were trying to remember all their childhood prayers in that frightening attack."
Why is it that we human beings, created in the image of God, generally ignore our Creator until some tragedy or calamity strikes? Is it because many of us by nature are procrastinators? Do we realize what we may be giving up by procrastinating? How deeply do we really want God's protection? It is there for us now, if we seek it.
Historically, the servants of God have always urged the human family to seek God now—not to wait for a so called deathbed repentance (which rarely if ever actually occurs).
The Apostle Paul told the scholarly Athenians, "Truly these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30). You need to establish a deep and profound relationship with the Creator and His Son, Jesus Christ, if you have not done so already. God promises guidance, blessings, and protection for those who love Him, obey Him and serve him.
Notice this promise in the book of Psalms: "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Psalm 34:7). Yes, God will give divine protection to those who reverence Him. Read Psalm 91, where God again promises protection for those who trust in Him.
Today, we face many dangers. Our children may be gunned down at their schools; terrorist bombings threaten the normal routine of society; highway accidents bring grief to many thousands every year; wars and regional hostilities are also killing thousands every year and fear of disease epidemics looms on the horizon!
God does allow Christians to suffer persecution and to experience trials to test their faith—but He also gives spiritual strength and power to His children to endure and overcome!
We all face our own personal tribulations. But you should not wait for calamity before reforming your life and submitting to the Creator of the universe. Read your Bible now. Respond now to the love and the instructions of your Lord. As the prophet Isaiah urges us, "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:6–7).
Now is the time to seek God's love. Pray to the Creator with all your heart—and if you are willing to truly serve Him and obey Him, then claim His promises of divine protection!
The above is adapted from one of the many commentaries, discussing vital topics facing our world, available at the www.lcg.org and www.tomorrowsworld.org Web sites.