A Father’s Protection

A Father’s Protection: 4 min read by Chris Rea

It wasn’t often, but every once in a while I would go to bed before my Dad got home.

 

Growing up, he was a cop and then a pastor, so his hours were never “normal.”

 

I remember those nights, in particular, lying in bed without my Dad at home, I felt a little scared and in a way, unprotected. Then, all of a sudden, I heard the familiar creak of the garage door which only meant one thing:  Dad was home.

Moments later, the side door would open and shut, and I would hear footsteps coming down the hallway. Then, my Dad would open my door to check on me. I always acted asleep because that’s what you do when you’re little, but when my door quietly opened and then shut, I instantly felt peace. I knew my father would keep our family safe from any harm that might come our way during the night.

 

As I write this, I am fully aware that perhaps you never had that in your life. Maybe you have never felt the feeling of being protected. Maybe no one looked out for you, or, even worse, the people who were supposed to protect you actually hurt you the most. With that kind of trauma usually comes a good amount of fear and pain. If that’s your story friend, I am so sorry.

 

 

I do have good news though and Lord knows we could all use some of that right now.

The good news is this: As a Christian, we can find healing. We can have hope. And we can walk in peace because we have a Heavenly Father who has made His constant presence available to us.

In the book of John, right before Jesus was about to be arrested and crucified for our sin, He prayed a powerful prayer for His disciples and for all that would eventually believe in Him.

 

Listen to the words Jesus prays to the Father found in John 17…

 

“Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me…, While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by the name you gave me…, My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”

There are two powerful truths I want you to take away from this.

1. God will protect us.

Maybe you didn’t have a father that protected you. Perhaps you’ve never known true protection and the peace which accompanies it. Can I tell you something really good? God will step into that role for you. Jesus prayed the prayer He did over 2000 years ago with you in mind.

You, friend. Lovely, flawed, perfectly imperfect you. You don’t have to earn His protection, but you do have to accept it as true. Regardless of the home or the family, you grew up in you are free to choose today to believe that God is good and that He will protect you and give you peace. And I can tell you from personal experience, God’s peace is better than anything a human can offer us. Because  God’s peace is supernatural.

 

 

2. There is power in the name of Jesus

Jesus said, “protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me.” I think we forget how much authority and power is in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus, blind eyes were opened, the lame walked, the deaf heard, and tormenting spirits of fear, anxiety, worry, and pain were cast out. There is something so powerful about calling on the name of Jesus for protection. In His name, we can walk in peace and have rest deep in our soul despite our painful and uncomfortable circumstances.

 

In addition to the mounting pain we’re feeling in our world right now, I sense in my heart that some of you have been walking through tremendous personal difficulty. You have been believing for peace and rest, but it has not come. You want to believe that it’s available, but you have not experienced it. That place can make you feel so small. “Discouraging” can’t even begin to describe it.

 

Here’s the truth: I have walked through seasons of that myself. Recently, in fact. I know the words of Jesus and I know the promises of peace. Yet at times I can’t seem to find any in my own life. In those seasons, you know what you do? You keep going. You keep standing. You continue to stand on the promises of God’s word and speak His truth over your life until it becomes your reality. Eph 6:13-14 says,

“ …and after you have done everything to stand, stand firm then,”

Continue to stand on God’s word and God’s promises.

 

I have a homework assignment for you. Don’t worry, it’s short.

Make a list of the scriptures that are promises from God. If you’re not sure where to start, just ask your friend google.

Then, and this is what will separate you from the rest, continue to believe God for His promises despite what you feel. As my wife always says, eventually your body will line up with your spirit and you will find peace. 

Hold on to hope, peace is on the way if you don’t give up and lose heart. Your life is NOT small, keep your eyes on Christ and He will deliver you from all your fears.

 

Psalm 34:4-5

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from ALL MY FEARS. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

 

Stand on that promise today and remember Jesus already prayed for your protection. It is available; it is time to receive it and walk in the peace it provides.

Until next time,

Chris

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