Focus Verse: But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

I was having lunch with one of my friends and her newborn baby. As we were preparing to leave, and she was putting him in the car seat, he began to cry. That was one of his least favorite places to be. While he was crying, she started to comfort him, as any mother would do when her child is expressing unsatisfaction. But what she said next caused me to stop and think.

“I’m doing this to protect you.”

My friend was doing what she knew she had to do to protect her son from the potential dangers he knew nothing about. God is the same way. He places us in situations and allows us to stay where, if we are honest with ourselves, there is no pain or harm, only personal dissatisfaction. The baby wasn’t in pain or hurting, he just didn’t want to be there.

How many times have you been in a place that was unsatisfying to you; you whined and complained, expressing your dissatisfaction, only to find out later, God was only protecting you?

Prayer: Father, thank You so much for Your protection. So many times I have complained about being in places that weren’t harmful to me, I just didn’t want to be there. Please forgive me. I may never know all the things You protect me from. Thank You for Your sovereignty that keeps me safe daily.  In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!