“He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11

The Unseen

Life in Africa is always interesting! A few nights ago our alarm went off in the middle of the night. We weren’t alone. Two neighbors nearby had theirs go off too, so something was definitely happening. All the dogs were barking in the neighborhood as well. Fortunately none of our homes were broken into!

We have a camera that looks out to the field behind us. I could see something moving, but it was too dark to determine what it was. I thought it was either a very large animal, or a person bent over carrying something. The security company came to check our area to see what was going on.

Everything was quiet and no one was around, but they did find a HUGE porcupine in the field—probably with all its quills out, which is why it looked so large on our camera screen. They are known to roam our area at night. That doesn’t explain the alarms going off, of course, but at least I know what was moving in the field behind us.

This whole experience got me thinking about the unseen world around us. I can imagine in my mind’s eye the angels that were watching over us! There are times when I have sensed God’s divine presence and protection. I’m sure there are many, many times that I wasn’t aware that God was watching over us. Every night as I lay in bed, I ask God to send angels to watch over me, Floyd, and our family. I’m so grateful for His constant watch-care, especially since Floyd isn’t with me.

There are times when I’ve been with Floyd and he will look at something beyond me. He’s not “blanking out”—he’s very focused on looking at something. But I can’t see anything. I’ve found myself wondering if he’s seeing angels. I’ve prayed for angels to watch over him, and keep him company in his hospital room. I hope God allows him to see them. I asked him one time if he was seeing angels, and he smiled… so who knows. I’d love to see one (maybe I have and didn’t know it), but whether that happens or not, I know God sends His angels to watch over us. They might have been walking right beside that porcupine!

We were in a bad accident one time in Colorado. We hit black ice during a snowstorm. Our car rolled several times and ended up upside down. With the help of some passersby, we managed to get out of the car with only a few bumps and bruises. When the state patrolman arrived, he asked how many people were killed in the car—he said no one could survive that! He was shocked when he realized we were okay. There’s not a doubt in my mind that God cushioned our movements as that car rolled. He was definitely protecting us.

I remember another time when we were traveling with a team across Turkey and Iran. We had misjudged our time to get to the next town, and ended up stopping late at night to camp in a field to sleep. The next morning when we awoke we saw a man (or angel?) on a nearby hill. He said he watched over us all night to make sure we were safe.

There have been so many times when family members have been in dangerous situations. In looking back, we’ve often thought there had to be angels watching over them, guarding them, protecting them. I’m very grateful for God’s protection!

Below is a photo of us sleeping in that open field.  That’s me right in the front.  So grateful that God watched over us!

“Lord, we thank You for Your protection!”