This past Saturday, my brother and I went to see Stryper in concert. They played the Arcada Theater in St. Charles. The show ended around 12:00 AM. We were headed home and almost to Sycamore when we came real close to meeting Jesus. You see, a car coming from the other direction swerved into our lane and forced us off the road and into the ditch. Luckily it wasn't a steep ditch, more like a grassy shoulder. We were able to drive on it and navigate it no problem. We decided to turn around and follow this lane offender to see what they were up to and alert the authorities if needed. We didn't have to go far to see that they had crashed head on into a guard rail about an 1/8 mile after they forced us off the road. We called 911, met with the officer and then made our way home. A little shaken but thankful we were alive. Thankful for Jesus' arm of protection around us. I told my brother that God isn't finished with us yet, that is why He protected us from a possible head on collision.
Those that know me well, know that I had another car accident experience about 30 years ago, where we should have died. My friend and I were out cruising and we ended up in Big Rock. I thought that I had more time than I had and pulled out in front of a construction truck. He tore off the front end of my car. I can still see the wheels going across in front of my face. The driver was so sure that he killed us that when he got to our car, not only were we alive, we were out and walking around. He could not believe it. The only injury was my friend who head butted the rear view mirror and it fell into his lap.
The connection between these two events is the band Stryper. In the actual accident, we were listening to their cassette "To Hell With The Devil". I firmly believe that because we were listening to their music God saved us from a certain death. I wasn't a Christian then, but I sure liked their music. Didn't really pay much attention to the lyrics of the songs. Just jammed to the music.
That accident 30 years ago, God had a plan for me. He wasn't finished with me quite yet. Fast forward 30 years. I am now a Christian and also a pastor. See, His plan. I had no idea.
So this second event we had just finished watching Stryper perform live. To me it was worship. I had my arms in the air, not fist pumping, but in worship. So again, I firmly believe that because we worshipped with Stryper, God saved us from certain death once again. This band has a connection with me and being saved from bad things by God. Listening to them and now really paying attention to the lyrics, God honored that. No one can tell me different.
Jeremiah 29:11 New Living Translation
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Thank You Lord. Thank You for Your protection and the band Stryper!
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