“The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from danger."
~ Psalm 121:7
Deion’s babysitting night ended
later than expected. But tomorrow wasn’t
a school day and he’d earned a nice tip from his uncle for entertaining their
two lively kids.
He began a leisure walk home, warily eying strangers roaming
dimly lit streets. It had been a
tediously long day and Deion couldn’t wait to get home and play a few video
games before his consciousness escaped into oblivion. To save time, he entered the alleyway-shortcut
to his home.
As usual, its path was dark; the air heavy and still. Creaking sounds and foul odors immediately
assaulted his sense as he cautiously picked his way towards the single light at
the far end.
A crippling sense of fear grew steadily, as his pulse
rocketed and air raced from his lungs. As they approached, the horror became
overwhelming, and from some hidden place in Deion’s mind, darkness consumed him.
He began to pray, asking for God's protection.
Instantly Deion felt a strange presence surround him; as if
someone were walking beside him. When he
reached the darkest part of the alley, he walked right past the three men, but
not before noting the one with unkempt hair and icy blue eyes.
He reached the alley’s exit without incident. Quickening his pace, he hurried home, flung
open the door, and slammed it tightly behind him. “Thank you Jesus,” he managed, choking back
tears.
Deion read in the morning paper that a man had been robbed
and severely beaten in the same alley just twenty minutes after he’d left
there. Feeling overwhelmed by this
tragedy and the fact that it could’ve easily been him, he dropped to his knees,
asking for the Lord’s compassion to heal the injured victim.
Believing he could recognize at least one of the attackers, Deion
walked to the police station and told of his own ordeal. They asked if he’d be willing to look at a
lineup - to see if he could identify any of them. He agreed and immediately pointed out the
blue-eyed thug from the night before.
When the assailant was told he’d been identified, he broke
down and confessed. The officers thanked
Deion for his bravery, and when asked if there was anything they could do for him,
he suggested they ask him one question. Deion was curious why they hadn’t attacked him
instead.
The mugger didn’t hesitate when asked. "He wasn't alone. He had two powerfully built men walking on
either side of him."
Guardian Lord, no matter what the problem is in
our life or whatever situation has us feeling overwhelmed, we know You’re right
there with us. You never sleep or forget
about meeting Your children's needs.
Help us to be as faithful to You Lord. Amen
