God as Protector in the New Testament
The New Testament offers numerous examples and teachings that emphasize God as a protector.
John 10:28-30:
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
This passage underscores the security believers have in Christ. Jesus assures His followers that they are eternally protected by God, and nothing can separate them from His love and care.
2 Thessalonians 3:3:
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
Here, Paul reassures the Thessalonians that God is faithful and will protect them from spiritual harm. This promise of protection extends to all believers, emphasizing God’s role as a guardian against evil.
Ephesians 6:10-11:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Paul encourages believers to rely on God’s strength and protection by putting on the “armor of God.” This metaphorical armor represents the spiritual resources God provides to protect His people from spiritual attacks.
Matthew 28:20:
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jesus’ promise to be with His followers always is a profound assurance of His constant presence and protection. This verse highlights the enduring nature of God’s protective care.
Stories of God’s Protection During World War II
The horrors of World War II tested the faith of many, yet countless stories emerged of individuals who experienced God’s protection in miraculous ways. Here are a few notable examples:
The Miracle of Dunkirk: During the early days of World War II, the British Expeditionary Force and other Allied troops were trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, France, surrounded by German forces. In what became known as the “Miracle of Dunkirk,” a series of extraordinary events allowed for the evacuation of over 330,000 soldiers. Many attributed this miraculous escape to divine intervention. King George VI called for a national day of prayer, and the weather conditions, which included a sudden calm in the English Channel and a storm that grounded the Luftwaffe, were seen as acts of God1.
Gareth Wiedekehr’s Story: Gareth Wiedekehr, an American sailor during World War II, experienced God’s protection firsthand. While serving on a landing craft in the Pacific, his ship was bombarded by Japanese mortars. Despite the imminent danger, Wiedekehr felt a sense of peace, believing that God was protecting him because of his family’s prayers back home. On multiple occasions, he witnessed miraculous escapes from enemy attacks, reinforcing his faith in God’s protective hand2.
The Cloud of Protection: Spencer January, a soldier in the Army’s 35th Infantry, recounted a remarkable story of divine protection. Before deploying, his pastor prayed Psalm 91 over him and other soldiers. During a critical moment in battle, a dense cloud descended, obscuring their position from the enemy and allowing them to escape unharmed. January and his comrades believed this cloud was a manifestation of God’s protection, as described in Psalm 913.
The Four Miracles of Dunkirk: In addition to the overall evacuation, several specific miracles were reported during the Dunkirk operation. These included the unexpected halt of German tanks, the calm seas that allowed for the evacuation, and the protection of the soldiers as they crossed the English Channel. These events were seen as clear signs of God’s intervention and protection1.
Conclusion
The New Testament provides a robust framework for understanding God’s role as a protector. Through passages that emphasize spiritual safeguarding and the assurance of God’s constant presence, believers are encouraged to trust in His divine protection. The stories from World War II further illustrate how this protection can manifest in miraculous ways, offering hope and inspiration to those who face trials and tribulations.
Reflecting on these examples, we are reminded that God’s protection is not limited to the past but is a present reality for all who place their trust in Him. Whether through spiritual strength, miraculous interventions, or the comforting presence of His Spirit, God continues to be a refuge and fortress for His people.
