Saturday, April 29, 2017


May 2017 Article published in LM Prayer International.


God's Protection
By Jane Fortaleza



"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

One thing our family would do every time we'd ride in our vehicles was to ask God to protect us as we went about in our daily business.

One day, after church, I drove all kids home and had lunch. Then Jessica, my twelve-year-old daughter, asked to pick up some things at the store for school. As usual that day, we prayed for protection as my daughter and I left home. On our way, not far from our home, I saw that prayer answered in a very real way. 
As I was about to turn right on a busy street, I pressed the brake but there was no resistance.  Our vehicle sped up and our steering wheel becomes loose. Instead of turning right, our van passed straight across two busy lanes and hit a tree. Both airbags inflated and smoke came from somewhere. God must have cleared the way for us because no cars were coming in either direction. Had I turned right on a busy street, I might have collided with other cars. We could have ended up in the hospital, seriously injured others, or even caused a death. Kindhearted bystanders rushed to help us, and my husband came. Paramedics and police came and the lane was closed momentarily. I was so thankful that God had spared my daughter and me from a serious accident.
I had no idea of the danger that would confront us that day, but prayer works. God knew well in advance and protected us in our time of need. What peace there is in knowing that God is always looking after us. If He sees the dangers we are not aware of, then surely He also sees the ones that concern us, and He will help with those too. 
Psalm 34:7 tells us that "the angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." This verse is a promise that brings rest and assurance to the hearts of God-fearing people. God notices the little sparrow's fall, and His Word assures us, "Ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:31). 
My heart is full of thanksgiving that God's protection and mercy follow us each day. What a privilege it is to serve a God who looks after us each day and delivers us from unknown dangers. He watches over us each day and delivers us from harm and danger. Trust in His promise and remember to thank Him for the protection we may not always see.

Note: Jane Fortaleza is a pastor's wife and mother of three children. Her family lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she served as a Ladies President in Central Canadian District. Her great passion is to serve and live for God.