Open Heaven
by Derek Puffett
Whenever I get into my motorcar to go anywhere I ask the Lord to send His angels for protection along the road, to protect my car from breaking down and to protect the occupants in my car from reckless drivers on the road. I’m certain when we pray prayers of this nature we too experience an 'open heaven' and angels ascend and descend upon the car and protect it and the occupants.
Last year January, travelling back from holiday, an 1150 kilometer inland home journey, I noticed about 90 kilometers from home, the back window of my car was darkening. Not sure what it could be, and not wanting to stop travelling through peak Johannesburg traffic, I asked the Lord again for His protection. We arrived home safely, only to find the back window by this time packed with oil. Looking under the car oil was just pouring out from somewhere in the engine. The turbo had packed up, but God brought us home safely. Wasn’t that God’s angels protecting us? I’ve no doubt it was!
All too often I think we forget about the angels God puts at our disposal. 'For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways' (Psalm 91:11). God has put His angels at our disposal, not only for our protection as we travel, but to 'guard us in all our ways'. Just as the angels were there to protect Jesus, God has given us an 'open heaven' for the angels to ascend and descend, to serve us in our needs here on earth.
No, we can’t command the angels to do anything, but we can ask God to send His angels to be with us for protection. 'Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?' (Hebrews 1:14). My wife and I are always asking God to send His angels for protection. We need to. There’s an enemy out there 'seeking whom he may devour' and I’m no longer going to give him a foothold.
Maybe you too need to ask Father God to send His angels concerning you. No, angels will not protect you while you’re in sin. You have to make your paths straight before the Lord. Yes, the angels will help you to reconcile with God and others around you. So I encourage you, as you go about your business during the day, or when you go to sleep tonight, ask God to put the protection of His angels around you. Have a blessed day!
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your love and caring nature. Thank You for the angels You send to serve us. Help me Lord to know that You care about me, and that, when I ask You, Your angels are there for me. Amen.
Derek Puffett is the Regional Director of Ellel Ministries, Africa. He was a Pastor for 12 years before joining Ellel in 2000. In 1986 he and his wife Beryl pioneered and established Telefriend, now under the management of Ellel. Telefriend is a South African National Christian telephone care line with an evangelistic emphasis.
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