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Listen while you read: "Unto The Hills Around Do I Lift Up"1
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Romans 5:10-11 – For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. (NLT)
While in my early 20s, I was a nominal Christian. I went to church, but did not know Jesus as One Who died to save me from my sins and give me a "wonderful new relationship with God". Briefly, I worked for a company in Toronto, Canada, that did repairs for ships on the Great Lakes. One day, a section of a propeller shaft had to be straightened slightly. It was a heavy piece of solid steel about eight feet (2.5 metres) long and one foot (30 centimetres) in diameter. The operator suspended it on two rope slings in a press that put great pressure on the shaft to take out the warp.
Joining the other workers, I watched the gauge needle slowly vibrate its way up to a pressure of 600 pounds per square inch. Suddenly, a voice spoke in my mind — neither male nor female — with just a terse, one-word command: MOVE! A second voice instantly followed the first, a kind of wheedling voice that told me, Don't move! You'll look stupid if you move! Nobody else is moving! Don't!
Inside, though, I knew that I had to move, and I did — about ten feet (three metres) away. Seconds later, one of the rope slings broke, and the propeller shaft was launched like a missile from the press. Amazingly, the second sling held and the shaft swung back in an arc until it crushed the operator against the machine. He survived, although with multiple serious injuries. Had I not moved, the shaft would have hit me first and hurled me onto the back of a truck that was loaded with copper piping, on which I would have been impaled.
Why did God graciously warn me and spare my life? He had a plan for my life — as He does for yours. In my experience, I have found two truths that I hope will both warn and encourage us:
- Does our enemy, Satan, exist? YES! He spoke to me in that second voice. What did he hope for me? His desire was simply that I stay and die about five seconds later. Jesus said, "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy." (John 10:10a NLT)
- Does God exist? YES! He chose to warn me, and He did so even while I was still his enemy! Such is His grace and boundless love, not just for me — I'm not special — but for you as well. And why? So that we will invite Jesus to be our Lord and Saviour. Then, "we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." Thank You, Jesus!
Prayer: Father, by Your Holy Spirit, allow us to see Your love for us in every way that You work in our lives, no matter how small. Build our faith, and give us the desire and strength to follow You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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About the author:
Don Lipsett <dllipsett@shaw.ca>
100 Mile House, British Columbia, Canada
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Thanks for the inspiring words, Don.
Amen Don! I’m so glad you listened and obeyed!!!
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing. So glad you listened to the first voice.
Dear Don,
What a testimony! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing. I’m glad you listened.
(Manitoba)
Amen. Thank you for sharing your story, Don.
Peace.
Thanks, Don,
What a fantastic rescue by our wonderful LORD.
Thanks for sharing your incredible story, Don. A great reminder that we always need to be ready to listen to God!
What an amazing story of God’s work in — and purpose for — your life, Don. Thanks for the reminder that we belong to Him who chose us for His own.
Merci, for the well-crafted devotional with more than one take away.
Providence comes to mind and the blessing resulting from learning to listen to His Voice.
WOW! I have never heard such a voice, but I know God is in control and Jesus is my Savior. Thank you for writing.
(Texas USA)
Thank you, Don, for this very encouraging devotional. Yes, we never know just when the Lord prompts us to take a certain action and it definitely works in our favour to follow His instruction. Blessings for writing and it was good seeing your name again.
What a story Don. Thanks for sharing it. I am so happy that you are a friend in Jesus. I have been to 100 Mile house. I will smile as I travel through there soon, knowing a brother in Christ is there.
Blessings.
This really is a wonderful and inspiring devotion. Thanks for sharing and yes, I do agree that in moments of agony or doubt God speaks to us and He always looks out for His children.
Do have a wonderful and blessed day.
Hello Don,
Your message today resonated with me. We need to always be aware that Satan waits to devour us, and that we should always be alert for God’s still small voice! God bless you.
What a miracle! One that strengthened your faith and brought you to where you are today!
Bless you for sharing this with me through the Daily Devotional! An encouragement to me as I travel through the mire of loss.
(BC)
Dear Don,
It is so beneficial when people share how God has spoken to them in their lives. My girlfriend was in a car accident and in a hazy state felt God urging her to get out of the car. She had less injuries because she got out of the car in time.
We all have examples of when God has helped us, but some are not as life threatening and conclusive. I have not heard anyone share on when they heard the second voice of evil.
Thank you for sharing your experience to help us all no longer “still be His enemy.” Blessings.
Good morning, Don, in the busyness of summer, I have not taken the time to listen to all of my devotionals. I chose to listen to this one.
It has struck me to the heart. Thank you.
I have been subscribed to these for the last twenty years. They have accompanied me through many difficult moments, and they have helped to strengthen my walk with Jesus.
Yours has proven once again, that you do not have to be a saint to hear God’s voice in your heart. Often, I have ignored it, in shear ignorance, but have other times yielded to His promptings with many blessings incurred.
God bless you dear brother in Christ,
(Québec)
The art of listening is lost by all too many folks’ vocabulary… Christian or otherwise. Great message to pay attention Don! Blessings.
Thank you, Don. An amazing experience that gives a vivid lesson for us.