Is someone looking out for you?

     Have you ever felt like something or someone was looking out for you? You get a nudge to go forward at the right time to capitalize on a positive opportunity. Or you get definite warnings to slow down, stop, or quickly change direction.

     I remember a time when I was in the military and I received a warning that defied rational thought. I was overseas performing a mission with my recon platoon. We were in the jungle, late at night, and it was pitch black. At around 1 AM we stopped for a break and a bite to eat.

     Naturally, for security reasons, there were no lights or fires allowed. We all had to make do with cold C-rations; though it could have been worse. At least it wasn't those flavorless dried-out LRPs.

     The first small can I opened contained peanut butter, crackers, and two chocolate bars: what GIs call "John Wayne" bars. And after nearly 36-hours of straight humping in the boonies I was so hungry I scarfed them down, and felt around for another can in my pack.

     This time I snagged a larger can. With my stomach growling like a bobcat in the dog pound, I wanted to get some solid food down before the short break was over.

     Everything had to be done by touch. It was so dark I could not see my hand in front of my face. So I fingered my keychain until I located my trusty little P-38 can opener, and commenced cutting.

     That's when I suddenly felt an all-encompassing feeling of dread. But it did not make sense.

     We had sentries out on all four sides. There was no movement. No shouts of alarm. Yet the dreadful feeling gripped me like a starving anaconda. Followed by a crystal clear thought; Do not eat the contents of that can.

     Well, that didn't make any sense either. I always inspected the cans before packing them. There had been no visible rust, dents, or punctures.

     DO NOT EAT FROM THAT CAN! came the ominous warning again.

     I was so hungry, and I knew we were moving out again in a few minutes, and wouldn't have another chance to eat for quite sometime. But there was no denying the combination of physical, mental, and spiritual dread that I was experiencing.

     So I slipped a colored filter onto my flashlight, built up an area to block the light, and turned it on to inspect the can's contents. The entire contents had turned purple and black. And it does not take much imagination to realize what could have happened if I had gulped down any amount of the poisonous contents so far away from medical help.

     Do I believe in guardian angels and the unction of the Holy Spirit? --- You bet I do!

     You see, there have been many situations in my life, similar to the above, when direction, warnings, and even healings came in ways that defy conventional wisdom and normal human parameters.

     I'll relate more of them in future posts. However, I wouldn't be surprised if you have various examples of your own to relate. And I'm a willing listener. I love to hear how God still intervenes in the lives of His children.