God is our protector... so we don't need to worry about a thing

Hey Bridge family, how are you this week? I hope you’re well. Our story continues from last week, when Paul and 275 others on a ship bound for Rome ran aground on a sandbar and swam or floated to shore. This week, we focus on what happened after they reached land. Notably, Paul shook off a venomous viper bite. The biblical lesson is that God is our protector!


This message is very stressful for me. While I genuinely believe that God is my protector, I have experienced horrible things in my life. I also know others who have endured devastating events. Face it: we all have, or will, have seasons when we are left wondering, “Where are you, God?” I also believe this reality can and does wreak havoc on a child’s innocence. Therefore, I am always concerned that children can sometimes take our message and see life with Christ as a promise of freedom from sorrow and pain.


Regardless of age, anyone can become so overwhelmed by life’s trials and tribulations that they lose sight of the times when God’s protection was present in their lives. I know that in my life, I was so overwhelmed by the darkness around me that I completely lost sight of Him. However, as I look back, God placed others in my life who allowed the light of Christ to shine through the darkness, restoring my hope. That is God’s protection.


I believe God has ordained each of us as parents to be a light in the darkness and to help our kids see God’s hand and His protection in what they are going through. One way that may help is to see how it is revealed to us in the Bible. You could read the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel (chapter 3) and Stephen in Acts (chapters 6 and 7). The outcomes for these faithful men were different, yet in both cases Christ was in the midst of the trial, and both were encouraged by His protection. Then build on that and make it personal by sharing how you witnessed God’s protection in your life.


Remember, as long as your child is at home, you have a great chance to share the Bible. Together, explore its stories, discussing how they apply to daily life, and fostering deeper family conversations. This makes faith an exciting and meaningful journey. God bless, and I look forward to seeing your family on Sunday.


Pastor Bob