Preserved by the Hand of the Lord (Psalm 121:7-8)

Sermon on 29 March by Pastor Justin

Testimony from Sis Sheryl:

In July last year, I was driving home in JB from a shop in the afternoon. As I was about 500m away from my house, I lost my consciousness and didn’t even know that happened. My car just swerved and hit a tree on the sidewalk. The tree broke and my car flipped three times and landed on the driver’s window. Even though the crash was so loud, I still didn’t wake up. I only woke up when the car flipped and landed on the ground. When I opened my eyes, I thanked God immediately for protecting me. I heard people shouting and running towards me. I was right in the middle of the road and people were shouting to get a response from me. I managed to respond and they reassured me that they will help me get out. I believe they were like angels sent by God to protect me. The windows were all shattered but they didn’t injure me. I was largely unharmed and only got a bruise. I then began conscious enough to take my passport as I had to come back to Singapore. It was very important as I had to come for cell group. People kept dissuading me from finding it as the car might explode anytime. I had peace of God and still continued finding my passport before getting out of the car.

In the wee hours before the accident happened, Bro Jadon dreamt of his mother dying and her lying in a coffin. The rest of his family members were crying at the side of the coffin. He was jolted awake and prayed that this would not happen to his mother in real life. He did not tell his mother that this happened as they were in Singapore and not in JB.

God still speaks to us in dreams and visions. When God wakes us up in the middle of the night, especially in the fourth watch (3-6am), we cannot just go back and sleep. God already prepared Bro Jadon and prayed for the family.

Acts 2:17 - “‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.”

Bro Danny got news of the accident from his apple watch notifications. When Bro Danny went to the accident site, he saw Sis Sheryl standing at the side with her passport stained with car oil. He brought her to the hospital for additional checks and contacted their cell leader to pray for them. They didn’t manage to make it for cell group as the checkup took longer than expected. But there was nothing major other than a bruise. Bro Joshua didn’t find out about the accident until he saw pictures that Sis Sheryl took.

Till today, Sis Sheryl is not fearful to get behind the wheel as she knows that God is always protecting her. God’s words are so alive to her. There is power in God’s name and she experienced it personally. She thanks God that He not only protected her but He let her children pray for her.

Psalms 121:7-8 - “The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”

Jehovah Rohi - The Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)

Jehovah Magen - The Lord is my Shield (Psalm 28:7)

1. God’s hand is present in the crisis

Psalm 46:1 - “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”

Isaiah 41:10 - “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

‭‭God will use His powerful hand to build us up.

2. God preserves according to His purpose

Romans 8:28 - “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Psalms 138:7 - “Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.”

3. God’s protection inspires deeper trust

Psalms 91:7 - “Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 - “But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.”

We are preserved as protected by the hand of the Lord. We do not live by chance. We live under His divine care, His mercy, and His grace.

Amen.