In the Arms of Angels

Belle Richards was 8 years old when her father told her that she would have to be left behind to look after her baby brother Joe; a toddler too small to go on the family outing to harvest gum from the trees.  She had looked forward to this outing as it was an annual event when the sap would run from the trees that could be collected, saved and used as chewing gum.  She had prepared a picnic lunch and also a snack.  She was devastated to find out that she was not going to be able to go.

As they rode out of sight, Belle started to analyze just exactly what her father had said.  He basically said that she had to look after her brother Joe.  The gears of her mind started to turn and she convinced herself that she could take Joe with her and that they could walk to the picnic and they could join the rest.  She knew a short cut and though her father told her that she was never to go through that area, she had convinced herself that her father and the rest would be happy to see them.

The area was off limits because of loose and falling rocks.  When the two of them got to a point where the path was covered with loose rocks, she looked at her two options of taking a risk or turning back.  With Joe in her arms, she took the risk and no sooner was on the loose rocks when they gave way.  They started to slide to what she believed was going to be their death.  Saying a quick prayer of repentance and help, they quickly came to an abrupt halt and found themselves back on the path facing home.  Belle didn’t know what had happened and she never told anyone about what had happened.  Joe was just a toddler; and he was too young to tell anyone.

This escape from death was a life changing event for Belle.  She began to study her Bible and pray daily as she never had before.  She devoted herself to God.  Many years later; as a young woman, she was on a group mission’s trip; when her brother Joe became gravely ill.  In his deep sleep, from taking some very strong medicine, he relived the near death experience at the rock slide.  He told the complete story of what had happened and how two angels had picked up him and Belle and saved their lives.  Later, when he was awake, he had no recollection of the event.

When Belle returned home her father asked her if something had happened years ago by the forbidden rock area.  She asked him why he was asking.  He recounted Joe’s story and thanked God for saving his two children’s lives.  This is a true story and is available on DVD:  In the Arms of Angels also called A Pioneer Miracle.

We can all be grateful for the protection of God’s angels who look after us and our children.  The angels are ministering servants of the heirs of salvation; whom we are.

Matthew 18:10 ESV See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Hebrews 1:13-14 ESV And to which of the angels has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"?  (14)  Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

To God, we are all His children and He looks after us as a mothering hen holds her young under her wings.

Luke 13:34 ESV O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!

Unfortunately, we do not always yield to God and allow Him to help and protect us.  It is easy to want to be independent and to lean upon our own understanding instead of relying upon God.

Proverbs 3:5 KJV Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding..

God wants us to trust Him as little toddler Joe, trusted his big sister.  He was young and innocent; too young to talk and too young to know that he should have been afraid.  Little children are naturally trusting.  That is the way that God wants us to be; trusting.

Matthew 18:3 KJV And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Once we get old enough to reason, the devil goes to work on us as he did Eve in the Garden of Eden.  We start to figure out how we can outsmart authority; first with our parents; then with our teachers.  Later on, we are argumentative with our employers; civic and church leaders.  Our pride and arrogance leads us into sin.  This can be said from my own experience with dealing with my own carnal human nature.  It becomes necessary; as Paul said that we die daily to the old man of sin (1 Corinthians 15:31).  King David declared that the sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51).  As Christians, we are ever on a path of transforming our human nature into the Nature of Jesus Christ.  This should be continually in our hearts and minds.  Focus on His Holiness!