“How then can evil overtake me or any plague come near? For He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go.” (Psalm 91:10-11)
There is another Parole testimony which lives in my heart as a constant reminder of the Lord’s presence and protection as we serve Him. I covered two Harlem precincts as a Parole Officer, the 28 and the 32. Within the 32nd Precinct stand the infamous Polo Grounds, a huge concentration of city housing projects built upon the former baseball field.
Each one of these 4 buildings contains over 1600 apartments.
These buildings are a hotbed for crime and gangs, ergo I had many assignments here. It was a good thing for ‘one stop shopping’ – I could make many home visits and curfew checks in one location. However, it was dangerous as well. Over the years I came to know many of the parolees and their families here, had many ‘meet and greet’ moments on walkways and lobbies and often had open doors to share the Gospel. However, during one early morning curfew check, the encounter was not friendly at all…
It was a bit past 5am, I hopped off the city bus and walked briskly down the project’s walkway. The sun had not yet risen over the city high risers but it was not dark. I passed by the park benches in the grassy area and took a mental photo of 5 youths sitting upon the bench and atop the bench back – five gang members who apparently ‘broke night’. They clocked me as I walked past but did not move. A warning pang struck me as I entered the building and pushed the elevator button – however, I was obviously alone.
When the elevator door opened I was still alone – I quickly stepped in but before I could press any button those 5 youths jumped in and the decrepit doors shut behind them.
A powerful ‘oh crap’ moment struck me – bum-rush, disarm, rape and worse flashed in my mind. “Lord!” was the cry in my heart, but before they could reach the floor buttons…
the elevator doors flew open for one second – I jumped out – the doors slammed shut! …the elevator quickly lifted away!
Those moments, deeply etched in my heart, are a continual reminder to me of God’s presence as we walk in His will and His power to intervene. I do believe that angels operated that elevator, confounding wicked plans. (After thanking God and gaining composure, I actually did take another elevator and made the visit!)
The word of God describes many angelic interventions, there is no doubt of their endowed power, evidenced through the Old and New Testament. While it is Biblical for believers to accept the presence of angels it is not Biblical or godly to engage angels or place our faith in these servants of God. They are dispatched by God alone and exist to enact His commands and will. We should be aware though, as demonic spirits influence and darken the world around us, our God has more powerful beings to launch on behalf of His beloved, us.
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)
The essential truth that marks my heart from those memorable moments is this: if we are walking in obedience to God’s will, if we are where He has placed us and busy at what He assigns, we are backed by heaven. God will go before us, protect us, and sovereignly bring His plan to fruition.
Thank you Lord for Your presence and intervention in our lives even if we don’t see it. Let us walk in total assurance that our names are “engraved in the palm of Your hand” and, as the Lord promises, “no one will snatch them out of My hand.” Help us to obey and trust in Your word, serving as You assign and plan our lives. Amen.
theburninglampdotcom 
Wonderful post, Lisa Beth. From your recollections it is clear to see that the Lord has had His hand upon you. And what you said at the end is pure truth: ” If we are walking in obedience to God’s will, if we are where He has placed us and busy at what He assigns, we are backed by heaven.” Amen!
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Thanks for your encouraging words, I appreciate them!
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Wow! Amazing! Am grateful to God that you are okay and unharmed! May His name be praised! Really great testimony!
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Thanks so much Bassey! It really showed me God’s protective power over His people, and how often He even protects us from things we DON’T see. I believe we’ll need this steadfast trust to serve and stand for God in these end times. Looking forward to your posts too…may the Lord continue to bless and inspire you! 🌹
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Yeah, you are so right. These are those perilous times the bible spoke of and if we trust Him to always be there for us, serving Him will be a lot more easier! Thanks and may God bless you. Love, Bassey!
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Wow! This is so powerful. And I’m so thankful that God sent His angel (s) that day to protect you. What an incredible testimony! As David says, “…it is clear to see that the Lord has had His hand upon you.” So much comfort in knowing that Heaven has our back! 🙂 ❤
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Thank you for the kind words. “Heaven has our back” is indeed a comfort, perhaps it’s why our Lord so often says, “Do not fear!” If we could only understand what ‘Almighty’ really means…
God bless you Lynn Abbott.
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AMEN!!
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I’m reminded of a harrowing experience I heard about a few years ago. Seems a Christian lady was driving in the worst storm of her life, to the point where she honestly felt she might die, when she thought she seen something on the trunk of her car. She quickly turned around and saw two angels–one on each side of her rear bumper–holding on, their long hair flailing in the storm, LAUGHING hysterically. Here she was, terrified, and her guardians were in full-on “WOOHOO!” mode, as if to say, “What a ride!!!” Just a reminder that our “harrowing experiences” are mere child’s play to God. As you say, He’s got our back. Good blog, thanks for sharing!
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Wow, I never heard anything like that before! Thanks for your visit and sharing.
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I love how beautifully you press upon the protection of angels while making sure the ultimate protection and mercy is by God’s grace. Angels are definitely among us, armed for battle against the Spiritual forces that are very, very real and very, very present.
You obviously have a servant heart, perfectly chosen by God to help those who’ve been incarcerated. Bless you! Thank you for sharing this story. I’m in awe.
Blessings to you!
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Thank you so much for your beautiful thoughts and words! I really loved working with parole, nothing compares to working on the streets in a community. I’m trusting the Lord to order my steps though, and lead me thru whatever doors He chooses to open. Thank you again sister, appreciate your visit and insightful comments about angels too. God bless you. 🌸
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