A Spiritual Forcefield

“Have You not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.”

Job 1:10 (NIV)

God’s hedge of protection is described in the Bible like a protective wall, a fence or even a spiritual force field shielding our lives, property, and possessions. Maybe you saw the recent movie, “Young Washington” and marveled at God’s divine hedge of protection over his life during the French and Indian War in 1755 at the Battle of the Monongahela. Despite having two horses shot from under him and four bullet holes in his coat, the 23-year-old colonel walked away entirely unhurt while his fellow officers perished. While advancing through the Ohio Valley, their forces were ambushed by a combined French and Native American force. British officers were specifically targeted due to their uniforms and horseback positions. Washington famously rode across the battlefield delivering orders, serving as the only mounted officer who was not shot down. He wrote to his brother, expressing his belief that he was protected by "all-powerful dispensations of Providence." Years later, in 1770, Washington returned to the Ohio Valley region. According to historical lore, an elderly Native American chief who had fought in the battle sought him out. The chief recounted how he had ordered his men to target Washington specifically, and that he personally fired at him 17 times. Frustrated that his marksmen could not hit the young officer, the chief eventually told his men to stop shooting, becoming convinced that Washington was protected by a higher power.

Such was the case for Job in the Bible. In fact, Satan stood before God to accuse Job of being devoted to God for purely self-serving motives. When God bragged on Job for being a righteous man, Satan said, “‘Does Job fear God for nothing?’ Satan replied. ‘Have You not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out Your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face.’ The LORD said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.’ Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.” Job 1:9-12 (NIV)

What an amazing insight! What a source of security to know that God has a hedge of protection, like a spiritual forcefield, about His children that nothing and no one may penetrate apart from His permission. Throughout Scripture we are reminded not to put our trust in man or even in our own strength or resources. All of these are insufficient sources of protection and provision! God is our source, our strength, our shield and our supply! In Him we are secure! He is our refuge. In Proverbs we’re told, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.” Proverbs 21:31 (NIV) In Psalm 108:12-13 (NIV), the Bible says, “Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies.” And 1 Timothy 6:17 (NKJV), says, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”

None of these verses deny the value of preparation, provision, or protection but that our primary trust is in God. As we remain rightly related to Him through Christ, we may enjoy the security of knowing that He has a hedge about us! That means the safest place to be is in the center of God’s will no matter where that is! For Joseph, that was in prison on false charges. For Daniel, it was in a lion’s den! For his three Hebrew friends, it was in a fiery furnace, and yet, we are told in Scripture that the Lord was with them all! We do not have to be afraid! His hedge protects individuals and nations! When Israel was rightly related to God, He protected them from their enemies. When they departed from God, He removed His hedge and allowed them to be defeated. In Job’s case God lifted a portion of his hedge about Job to allow Satan to test his faith. Yet amid the trials, God was still with Job even though He withdrew His conscience presence from him.

Job demonstrated by his response that he wasn’t a fair-weather follower. He didn’t worship God simply because God had blessed him. Even when the hedge was partially lifted Job worshipped God. Still, God’s hedge remained about Job, and His hedge of protection is part of the inheritance of God’s people today! Thank God for His hedge about you, your family, and everything you have. Nothing and no one may penetrate that forcefield apart from His Divine permission. This is the blessing of the Lord to those who put their trust in Him!  

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To read this devotional online or catch up on past ones, visit kerryshook.org/blog.

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