I gave the four-wheeler what I thought was just enough gas to get me over the knoll, but instead of climbing the hill and moving on, the ATV reared up the way an angry horse rises on its hind legs.
The next thing I knew, I was flat on the ground while the four-wheeler teetered above me, and in that split second, I was aware that if it tipped backward, it could kill me. But miraculously, instead of falling onto me, it fell forward.
I was only about 10 or 11 years old that day, but I had the distinct sense that angels had intervened to save my life. One reason for this is that when I hit the hard clay soil, I should have had the air knocked out of me—or worse—but instead, it was the softest landing imaginable; I felt like I’d landed on a pillow. I’ve always had this image in my mind of an angel sandwiched between me and the ground, absorbing the impact.
Another reason is that, while I don’t know much about physics, it seems to me that the most likely thing for the four-wheeler to do after hitting that berm and ejecting me would be to tip backward with me. Though I have no way to prove it, I’m convinced there was a second angel there pushing that machine forward and saving me from being crushed.
Despite the dramatic nature of this experience, I don’t often think about it in the course of my day-to-day life, but it all came back when I read this verse the other morning: “My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection” (Psalm 71:7, NLT).
My memory of this episode was quickly followed by several other memories of times I’m convinced God intervened to protect me and even save my life. As I remembered, I felt a swell of gratitude toward God for taking such good care of me.
Can you think of instances in your life when you have sensed God shielding you from harm? Take a moment to thank Him, and if you have any current worries about your safety, let your heart be comforted knowing that He promises to “order his angels to protect you wherever you go” (Psalm 91:11, NLT)!
