Could it be…

The bible explains that angels are ministering spirits sent by God to minister to those who are heirs of salvation…that’s us, by the way (Hebrews 1:14). John G. Paton, pioneer missionary in the New Hebrides Islands, once told a chilling story. He said a group of local men surrounded his mission headquarters one night, intent on burning the Patons out and killing them. The Patons prayed all during the terror-filled night that God would deliver them. When daylight came they were amazed to see that, unaccountably, the attackers had left. They thanked God for delivering them.

A year later, the chief of the tribe was converted to Jesus Christ, and Mr. Paton, remembering what had happened, asked the chief what had kept him and his men from burning down the house and killing them. The chief replied in surprise, “Who were all those men you had with you there?” The missionary answered, “There were no men there; just my wife and I.”

The chief argued that they had seen many men standing guard—hundreds of big men in shining garments with drawn swords in their hands. They seemed to circle the mission station so that the chief and his men were afraid to attack. Only then did Mr. Paton realize that God had sent His angels to protect them.

Most of us can recall times when we were in danger and were miraculously spared. Could it be, although we saw no angels, their presence helped avert tragedy? Is God trying to get our attention and remind us of His goodness to us?

Even if you have never seen an angel physically, be aware of how close God’s ministering angels are. And by the way, be sure to be kind to strangers; they could be angels sent from God to protect you! (Heb. 13:2)

My wife, LaVerne, is convinced that I have extra angels assigned to me because of the way I drive. But that is another story.