I Dodged the Bullet

by Kristin Gomer

This past week I had an experience that led me to think, “Wow, I really dodged a bullet there.” I had had moments of panic over the possibilities involved with the situation, so I was quite relieved when there was a favorable outcome. Whew! As I was sincerely thanking God for this favorable outcome, it occurred to me that I had not actually dodged any bullet. I had not done anything at all one way or the other to impact the situation. It had been removed from my hands some time ago. What I realized is that while I had not dodged a bullet, rather God blocked that bullet from reaching me. God, in His infinite grace and mercy, had protected me and my family from this situation. I realized that my experience was like this picture.

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life. You stretch out Your hand

against the anger of my foes, with Your right hand you save me.”

Psalm 121:3 ”He will not let your foot slip- He who watches over you will not slumber.”

John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

And then I thought about it a bit more. I realized that I have been doing something to help dodge those bullets. I have been keeping myself close to God. I have been working to live in the shelter of His wing. (Psalms 57:1) I have been trying to pattern my life in a manner that is pleasing to God. Now, I know that my habits are not what saves me. What saves me is the grace of God that comes through Jesus Christ. (John 3:16, Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9) It is God and God alone, not any work on my part. But it is important to live in such a manner so that I can recognize the ways that God is shielding me when they happen (2 Samuel 22:3). I cannot drift away from God through neglecting time with Him in prayer, praise, Bible study, fellowship with believers and service, and then be upset by the consequences. Yes, I know, bad things do happen to good, God-fearing people, but staying under God’s wing better allows Him to protect me and allows me to recognize all of the bullets that have been blocked from ever reaching me.