When we were still living in South Africa, there was a time when we lived on a small farm. My mom happened to be visiting us from Durban. We treasured any time she was with us. We were enjoying our time together when suddenly, we heard some gunshots. They were very close to our home.  Ken and his secretary Denise were in the office next to our home. Ken quickly came over to the house to make sure we were alright. Then he decided to go and see what the shots were about.  We had this beautiful driveway lined with trees, but on that day, it seemed like a long walk.

My mom and I immediately began to pray and felt such a supernatural peace. Denise joined us. Clayton, our son then fifteen years old, followed his dad.  We could still hear the shots and later discovered that some passed right by Ken and Clayton. Clayton felt the ‘wind’ of one. But Ken had an assignment in God. A well-organized gang of thieves had held up a store. Across the road from where we lived was a dirt road where they had parked a getaway van.  As the gang was changing cars, the police arrived, and we could hear shots. One policeman was shot and later died. (The police caught the whole gang only to discover they were part of a bigger group. The entire group was caught and brought to justice.)

As Ken was arriving on the scene, there was a shot. Sadly, it was a policeman who had been shot. His partner that day was his brother. Both were Christians. Ken, along with his brother, prayed for the policeman. He did lose his brother that day, and having a brother in Christ stand with him in the center of it all added considerable strength to him. Ken went to the hospital later and again could stand with him.

So, how could Ken and Clayton walk fearlessly into danger? How did we have peace in the midst of danger? I believe it is the amazing grace of God. Nothing within us naturally could make that possible. Instead, it is who God is; all things are possible with Him. 

I often think back to that time and reflect on the keys God used both then and at other times. Of course, God is not limited to any specific key, but there are keys that God uses repeatedly. In this case, the primary key was the Word of God.

Living on a small farm in South Africa as we did then was unsafe, but God provided it for us. We, therefore, knew we were in His will. (That was one key.) Over the years, God had, through His word, strengthened our faith muscle in the area of protection. We know that faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. As a young Christian, I had focused on scriptures that opposed fear as I had battled with a spirit of fear.  In particular, I found such strength in Psalm 91:1, John 4:4 & 18,  Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 23, Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 41:13, and Romans 8:15. These scriptures I had read repeatedly.

The Word of God comes to us in the seed form. As we nurture that seed, a revelation of the truth of that Word comes. So, how do we nurture that seed?

    • When we read the Word of God, let us read it with a hunger for its truth to take root in our hearts. When we read it with that heart, the soil of our hearts is ready to receive the Word. It is an attitude of interest, a desire to learn. It is leaning into the heart of God while we read. When we do this, we hear the Word of God.
    • A seed grows on its own, but it needs water and the sun. In the same way, we need to water the seed of the Word by retaining it. We meditate on the Word. We hold it in our hearts. It is like really tasting every bite of food you eat.
    • We then with perseverance stand firm on the Word of God with our eyes fixed on Jesus, not on our circumstances. God in His amazing grace presents us with some little opportunities to enable us to grow in the truth of His Word.

On that day, when God’s peace pervaded our dangerous circumstances, His Word was the foundation. God had a seed to work with, a seed that He had given the opportunity to grow. Slowly, it had grown, and the revelation of God’s protection was there when needed.

God’s grace is sufficient for us in every situation. I often think I could not go through something I hear others going through.  And it is true, as I don’t have the grace to go through it right then, but they do. When something comes my way, then, God gives me the grace to walk through it in Him, as He did that day on the farm. Faith rose up based on His Word, and fear did not enter our household. The amazing Grace of our Lord Jesus covered the whole event. We were able to pray for all concerned. Ken and Clayton walked safely, and Ken could stand with a brother in Christ and pray with him.

Thank You, Lord, for Your Word. This Word brings us revelation of Who You are. This Word unfolds the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to us. Mark 4:11. This Word that brings healing to our whole bodies: Proverbs 4:20-22. This Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path: Psalm 119:105. In addition, Your Word:

    • Renews our minds: Romans 12:1-2
    • Is our foundation for life: Matthew 7:24-27
    • It teaches and corrects us: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
    • Trains us to life in right standing with God and people: Proverbs 13:3, 21:3, 16:23-24
    • It breaks open hard places – it is a fire and a hammer: Jeremiah 23:29
    • Is the Sword of the Spirit: Ephesians 6:17
    • Probes the heart and mind: Hebrews 4:12
    • Shows us who we are and moves us on James 1:21-25
    • Brings conviction: Acts 2:37
    • Gives life/salvation: 1 Peter 1:23
    • Matures us: 1 Peter 2:2
    • Produces faith: Romans 10:17
    • Heals us: Psalm 107:20
    • Gives hope: Romans 15:4
    • Washes us / sanctifies us: Ephesians 5:26
    • Builds us up and gives us an inheritance: Acts 20:32.

Isaiah 55:11 …my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Thank You, Lord, for Your Word.