I Kings 18:2
‘So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed!”’
This terrifies Elijah. It would me, as well. It’s a little surprising, as he’s been speaking against the king and his house for years. But this is an immediate threat against his life.
There are many fearful things that happen. However, it’s rare that those things focus directly on us. It don’t think many of us seek to provoke. Most like to live peacefully. Even then, it can happen. I was at a car show two weeks ago and my friends and I were talking to this guy about his car. In doing so, I leaned against the car behind me. It’s owner said, “Get off my car”. It was said in the most angry and threatening manner. He was a big, tough guy who looked like he provoked people often. It was shocking. I moved and apologized. He said nothing.
This fright stayed with me for days. I don’t recall ever being spoken to in such a threatening way, by someone quite threatening. I intersected with something scary. I can recall praying to God to help me with it.
We will intersect with frightful things. If we are a believer, God is with us. If se have submitted our lives to Him and seeking His guidance, I would say He knows what we will run into. Is He trying to teach us something? Not sure.
He does work all things for good (Romans 8:28). I don’t know how, but He does. Jesus says in Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Maybe God is teaching us not to be afraid. I can’t imagine not being fearful of that guy. However, nothing came of it.
I had an out of control tenant who was demanding and rude. It got to be overwhelming. At the right time, God delivered me and I had a property management service go between us, so I had no interaction with them. I was naive that one could be so abusive. I gained a healthy fear for some and attempt to keep a buffer.
I’ve learned that God is my shepherd and He will protect me. Keep my distance from some, but we can always be surprised. Lean on God in those times. Trust Him to guide and protect. At times we will walk past the angry dog behind the gate. It still will be startling, but God is with us.
I’m sure He has kept us from many frightful things that we may see in the video in heaven. Proverbs 3:3 says, “But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.” That shield has kept us from much. Thank You, God.
Lord, thank You that You are with us and guide us and protect us. Thank You, Lord.