Protection

It was an oversized ready-made frame from Ikea.  I took off the outer packaging and realized there were several decals on the plexiglass.  I tried as I may to get the decals off and finally, not wanting to scratch it, got a rubber electrical cap and scraped, and to my surprise discovered that the decals were on a tight seamless heat wrapped covering of protection.  I peeled it off only to find one more decal. So again I got my electrical cap and scrapped and again, another layer of film was peeled off only to find that the plexiglass had been completely protected from damage due to the double layered unrecognizable seamless wrap that covered it.

Truly there were no edges that would give you a hint that there was protection.  There were directions, that if I would have read them probably would have given me indication, but I figured who needs direction to put a poster in a frame?  I did, not only for the film on the plexiglass but to insert the screwless hangers on the back as well.  So I got the poster framed, and my husband hung it but not  without continued amazement as to how invisible the protective film was. I mean it was so tight I could have sworn that it was a very part of the plexiglass, and then to have multiple layers, it was just perplexing.  

All this to say that isn't that the kind of shielded protection that God offers to us. To be able to step into His second skin of seamless protection through our faith and trust in him regardless of the situation at hand. It was truly a visual example of how we are to be wrapped in trust with a layer of faith girding us beneath. There is never a situation to oversized that God is not able and willing to handle and protect us through. 

I scrapped with my meager fingernails but never was able to even puncture the film. It took some elbow grease and a tiny rubber tool to make headway. I was just concentrating on the decal having no idea there was a whole layer of protection, not to mention a backup layer.  That is how protected we are when we have chosen to be wrapped in God's protective covering.  He covers us from top to bottom with a fortified and strengthen force of His love and grace. And if something does get through his armor, it is only because he has allowed it for reasons that we may never know.  It may be to be a witness of that very love, grace and strength that he provides so that onlookers may see it first hand, or it may very well be to help build our own faith in Him into a stronger fortress of seamless trust. 

Just as we are putting on our clothes each morning, we are first to step in God's invisible skin of protection. We don't know what the day holds, or what assaults we will be engaged in, or what unknown arrows will fly towards us in an effort to penetrate the protective 

shields of trust and faith that we have allowed God to wrap us up in.  But what we do know is this: that God's protection may not be visible, but it is a strong and faithful shield for all who believe in his word and have faith in HIs ways. And because it is invisible, man cannot fathom the depth of its strength, it is only recognized by a propelling since of invincible hope in the midst of heart breaking adversity, joy in the face of defeat, trust in the swirls of stormy trials, and peace when combatted with unknown scenarios. For God's protective barrier will stand strong in our defense and assure us of well being in spite of circumstances. The layers are made up of our trust and faithfulness, and manufactured by God, the only one who has the power and authority to distribute protection of this mighty force.        

Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

^{1 Corinthians 13:6-7} 

 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Psalm 91:14
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

Dear Lord, Blessed are we who have chosen to step into your protective shield of grace. Thank you that it is always available and that there is nothing that can penetrate the covering as long as we are steadfast to recognize its strength through your love and grace.      Amen              

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!