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History is full of testimonies from people who experienced great escapes. One need only read the book written by Corrie Ten Boom titled, The Hiding Place, to see how an estimated 800-Jewish people experienced great escapes to avoid certain death at the hands of Nazi Germany. Again, we see testimonies of people who narrowly escaped certain death during the collapsing of the twin towers of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
The Bible is filled with testimonies of great escapes as well, including the story of the Apostle Paul, who at the time was still called Saul. We read in chapter 9 of the Book of Acts of how on two occasions people had plotted to kill Saul. On one occasion it was the Hellenists in Jerusalem who threatened his life, and he was able to escape certain death. And in another instance, it was the Jews in Damascus who were enraged at him for proclaiming Jesus to be the Christ. In this particular time, he was smuggled out of the city by being lowered down through the wall in a large basket.
Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. Acts 9:23-25 (NKJV)
I was talking with a friend a one day and he shared a story about a helicopter pilot named Ernie Tanner who now oversees heli missions. He shared a story of Ernie's first flight over in the deserts of the Middle East. Ernie had just a few hours of experience, and on his first flight his Hughes 269 helicopter experienced a mechanical failure midflight. He found himself having to do an emergency landing in the middle of the vast desert. As God would have it, there was a remote airstrip right there.
Thankful to be alive, but stuck in the middle of nowhere, Ernie found a mechanic at this strip who was able to take a look at the ill-fated chopper. Now finding a mechanic who knew how to service the helicopter would have been very fortunate. But finding one who was specifically trained to work on the Hughes 269 was an act of God. If this was not enough, the mechanic had the very part needed to repair this helicopter.
Now some could read this story and say, "Boy, Ernie was one lucky camper to narrowly escape death!" And I would say, "No he wasn't; he was in the hands of our sovereign God." I believe God wanted to better prepare Ernie for the path ahead. I believe He wanted Ernie to know He was there, and that He would always be there no matter how impossible the situation, and no matter what he would face. And I believe it is the same for us.
You see, God is in control of everything--nothing happens by chance, or by luck. God has specific plans for every life on earth, and even though we may have various plans, it is God who really directs our steps.
A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
Knowing this truth should give us great confidence for those times we find ourselves backed into a corner, or seemingly stranded with no hope of making it out. It can be a financial crisis in your life, or perhaps a strained marriage or some other type of relationship. The point is the same--God is in control, and He will guide you through safely. When it looks impossible, He will provide the exact part needed to fix what appears unfixable. When there is no provision, He will provide.
The way I look at it, if we had everything we needed in these times, we would take the glory for our own ingenuity and abilities. It isn't until we are faced with obstacles, perilous times, and dead ends in our life that we truly have to turn to God and cry out. And it is there where He is faithful to meet us every time.
The question is, why do we wait until these times--why don't we cry out when things are great? Why don't we cry out to Him today when we are healthy; when there are clothes on our back and food in the refrigerator, or when we have jobs? Why don't we just confess these words to God when everything is good in our life? I can't make it today without You Lord, nor do I want to choose to try to make it without You. I need You.
Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today to always trust God. He is in control, especially when everything is out of control. Stop, drop, and pray. If you find yourself imprisoned in a life of sinful living, or trapped in the cycle of doubt, worry and fear, then confess anything you know to be sin, and repent. Seek the Lord and pray for your provision. It's time to make a great escape from living for this world, and from allowing the enemy to influence your life. Read your Bible today, and begin to learn God's truth.
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32 (NKJV)
STUDY QUESTION: According to the Scriptures contained within this devotional, what can we learn about our ability to escape?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Is there something you need to escape from?
APPLICATION: Seek the Lord, and ask Him to deliver you today.
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