WHEN JESUS’ PROTECTION DOESN’T MEET OUR EXPECTATION
We've been diving deep into Jesus' "I AM" statements, and this week, the powerful declaration "I AM THE DOOR" (John 10:9) resonated profoundly. We saw how Jesus, like a shepherd laying across the sheepfold entrance, is the sole entry point to safety, salvation, and a thriving relationship with God.
But let's get real for a moment. Some of you might be thinking, "Safety? Protection? You CLEALY don’t live my life. You don’t know the struggles and storms I go through." That may be true, but here's the absolute truth:
Nothing touches our lives without passing through His hands first.
This is a deep, foundational truth. It means that God, in His sovereignty, permits certain things to happen. Sometimes, these are difficult things, even suffering. He doesn't always cause them – evil forces, human free will, and the brokenness of our world play a part – but He allows them. And here's the crucial part: He never abandons us in them. In fact, He has promised to use even the worst things for ultimate good.
Romans 8:28 reminds us: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This isn't a "couch God" who sits back and watches. He is actively working through all of our highs, lows, and even the stuff that makes no sense, to bring something good out of it for those who love Him and follow His lead. It doesn't mean everything that happens feels good, but God has a way of taking the hardest things and using them as part of a bigger plan for our good and His purpose.
So, yes, He is our door, our protector, and our safety. Nothing surprises Him; He does not get caught off guard.
Now, let's talk about His protection. His protection is ultimate, not always immediate.
In the big picture (eternity, salvation, God’s plan): Jesus’ protection is guaranteed. John 10:28-29 is clear: "No one will snatch them out of my hand… no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand." Your salvation is secure in His grip. While you can choose to reject or walk away from your faith (Hebrews 2:1 warns us not to drift away), no outside force can steal it from you.
In the moment (day-to-day life): Bad things can still happen. We might face hardship, pain, sickness, or danger (1 Peter 5:8 reminds us the enemy prowls). This is because His protection doesn’t always mean immediate shielding from every struggle. Sometimes God allows things to pass through for a greater purpose, even when it’s hard to understand in the moment.
When pain takes hold of us, we are not alone. Jesus felt pain too. He wept, He suffered emotional, physical, and spiritual pain. And when we bring our pain to Him, He holds us close. If we allow it, suffering can actually help us find our faith, drawing us closer to Him. God doesn't allow things to harm you; it may hurt you, but it's to grow you closer to Him. And any suffering here on earth pales in comparison to an eternity without Christ.
Let's Reflect:
What storms are you currently facing that you need to surrender to Jesus, knowing He is working for your good?
How does the distinction between "ultimate protection" and "immediate protection" change your perspective on suffering?
When you've experienced pain, how has it ultimately drawn you closer to God, if at all?
Let's Pray: Jesus, thank You for being our ultimate Protector and for working all things for the good of those who love You. We confess that sometimes we struggle to understand why You allow difficult things into our lives. Strengthen our faith to trust Your sovereign hand, even when we don't understand Your immediate protection. Help us to bring our pain to You, knowing You understand and will hold us close. May our suffering always draw us nearer to You. Amen.
