At the beginning of every new year, our family prays together that God will draw us closer to Him, closer to each other, give us ways to connect with others, and give us a louder testimony for His glory. Since I was approaching 50, I personally was asking God in 2019 to help me draw closer to Him, to let go of anything that didn't matter and to hold onto what does, to teach me to number my days, and to make my days count for His glory.
Last year on this date, something unbelievable and totally unexpected happened. Interestingly, it also happened immediately after I spent some time in prayer asking God to show me any areas of preparedness our family needed to improve upon. The incident shocked everyone who lives in our very quiet, rural neighborhood. A police officer friend thought I was joking about it until I showed him the pictures. Things like this just don't happen here. Let this be a wake up call to you wherever you live.
All of the prayers mentioned above were answered last February when a bullet was fired into our home at a figure in the bathroom window. That figure the shooter was aiming at in the bathroom was me. The bullet went through the window and into the wall inches from my body and a few feet from where our children were sleeping against the walls on either side of the bathroom.
I REJOICE that they were aiming at my shadowy figure instead of my husband or my children. I REJOICE that I was the one in the bathroom because it is easier for me to handle mentally than if it were one of them.
The window sash with the bullet hole is now sporting a Bible verse and hangs in our dining room. We have a one of a kind piece of art that will remind our family and friends daily of God's protection. It reminds us that God is keeping watch and is involved in our moments. It also reminds us of the importance of staying close to Him.
I will share more soon. I encourage you to read the verses below and rejoice in God's protection over His people.
Psalm 91
You can go to God Most High to hide.
You can go to God All-Powerful for protection.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress.
My God, I trust in you.”
3 God will save you from hidden dangers
and from deadly diseases.
4 You can go to him for protection.
He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies.
You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield.
5 You will have nothing to fear at night
and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day.
6 You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark
or terrible suffering that comes at noon.
7 A thousand people may fall dead at your side
or ten thousand right beside you,
but nothing bad will happen to you!
8 All you will have to do is watch,
and you will see that the wicked are punished.
9 You trust in the Lord for protection.
You have made God Most High your place of safety.
10 So nothing bad will happen to you.
No diseases will come near your home.
11 He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.
12 Their hands will catch you
so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.
13 You will have power to trample on lions
and poisonous snakes.
14 The Lord says, “If someone trusts me, I will save them.
I will protect my followers who call to me for help.
15 When my followers call to me, I will answer them.
I will be with them when they are in trouble.
I will rescue them and honor them.
16 I will give my followers a long life
and show them my power to save.”
