The stroller tugged free of the small fingers that were supposed to guide it and careened down the hill, bumping over branches and rocks, headed for a tree. The two small children strapped in were silent, awaiting their fate like the rest of us. A guardian angel was alert.
What does the Bible say about guardian angels? Are our children watched and protected?
When my kids visit and bring their kids we all head out for a walk. We plunk the smaller kids in a stroller, the older kids run ahead and the adults talk. And talk. Should we pay closer attention to the kids? Of course we should. We all know of kid disasters that have happened in groups because the adults are talking and figure someone else is keeping a close eye on the small ones in their charge.
Our oldest grandchild is 7 and she was pushing the stroller loaded with her 2-year-old sister and 4-year-old cousin. My kids and their spouses were busy talking when our joyful moods instantly changed to fearful dread. Emily was pushing the stroller with the precious cargo when the pavement winded downward. She could no longer keep up with the forward momentum of the stroller on the hill and it got away from her.
We all watched as the stroller meandered down the hill, picked up speed and headed for a stand of trees. The dread of anticipation stopped us in our tracks as the stroller headed for the bump of the edge of the asphalt.
Dread. I felt it, dread and panic! Perhaps they were not feelings a believer should have. We know the verses. Count it all joy. Perfect peace. Say what? Those are my grandchildren aimed for the trees! I love the verse from Isaiah, 26:3:
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. NASB
Am I in perfect peace when I see my precious grandkids in a runaway stroller? Um, no. It happened so fast! Maybe next year after I’ve had time to grow a little bit more I will feel that peace during rogue moments. Or maybe not.
We were sure the stroller would capsize, or bump right over the edge and hit a tree. The silence as we waited was eerie, and we were all frozen, expecting catastrophe.
All except John
John is my youngest daughter’s husband and he took off running, galvanized, chasing the stroller. John and Megan didn’t have kids at the time, and he was the only one with the presence of mind to try to catch it and save his niece and nephew.
But John didn’t save the day. He did not catch the stroller and we all watched it hit the edge of the asphalt at a precarious angle and teeter over on its side just a foot away from a massive tree trunk. The stroller seemed to fall over in slow motion as we gasped a collective gasp.
John caught up, bent over and peered at the sideways kids
When he saw them smiling he tipped the stroller upright, released the straps and the kids popped out. They were unharmed after their wild ride and sheepish with all the attention.
Did a guardian angel intervene and stop the stroller? It tipped at just the right time when we were sure a collision was imminent. We’ll never know, but I’d like to believe an angel was protecting our kids. Angels are mentioned in the Bible, but as ministering spirits for believers.
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Hebrews 1:14 NASB
Ironically the only child in this scenario who was a believer was the child who couldn’t hang on to the delinquent stroller. Where was her angel? Perhaps her ministering spirits chased after that stroller and stopped it just in time!
All the parents and grandparents are believers too, so angels were in abundance watching our little drama. And maybe small children who have not accepted Christ yet do have angels, who can know all the mysteries of God? We are reminded that God has a plan for us and if we trust in Him we will be protected by His angels.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.
Psalm 34:7 NASB
In the context of this Psalm God’s children were rescued from danger by angels. The angels encamp around us.
His angels will surround us and keep us from harm if we choose to trust in Him. He commands the angels. So comforting to know there is action in the spiritual world on our behalf
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
Psalm 91: 11 NASB
Even if my sweet little grandkids were hurt in that stroller crash, the overriding comfort as always, is that God has a plan. For me. For my kids. For my grandkids. As I daily bathe us all in prayer I will have peace.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4
My peace can sometimes take a few seconds to catch up. I’m a mere mortal and a work in progress. I was truly frozen in panic while watching that stroller. Thankfully while holy angels enjoy praising God in heaven, and are superior to people, they obey God and come to minister to the saints.
To you and to me!
They stand up against the powers of darkness and encamp around us. Angels help us, but ultimately to God goes the glory!
When Your Dog Eats Your Pet Chicken Always Look to God to Meet Your Expectations
