By Mike McKay
Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
I was in elementary school up in Alaska. We lived in Fairbanks up in the university faculty housing. It was winter and the snow was at a light, but steady fall. It had been a week of very low temperatures, on and off around 50 below zero, cold enough to have to stay indoors and at 50 below they closed the schools for the day, but now it was a balmy 10-20 below zero. Needless to say, I was a little stir crazy, and my mom was ready for me to have some outside time. So I borrowed a sled from my friend and went to sled down the neighborhood hill. The hill was a fun, slightly steep grade with just a few trees to avoid, and the grade leveled off to a mostly flat field. However, over to the far right, the flat field curved down into a natural run off area then sloped into the forest. It was well known that once you cleared the trees, to steer to the right so you did not get taken down into the forests and have to hike back from all the way down there, unless you wanted the adventure! So there I was at the very top of the slope so I would get maximum speed, being that fresh snow tends to slow you down. My borrowed sled was not one of those with metal runners, nor did I have the traditional toboggan. My sled was small and boat shaped where you gripped the upper sides and leaned to maneuver your direction. I set the point of the sled between the trees, took a running start, jumped in and propelled the sled down the grade. I was flying! Going a lot faster than I had imagined and being the sled was so light, it was a bit squirrelly. I leaned hard to the right to keep away from the trees. And that’s all I remember.
I woke up briefly while lying in the sled mostly covered in snow. It was also getting dark and I was being pulled home by a couple of cross-country skiers. I was taken to the hospital where they sewed up a section of my left ear that had been torn away from my head! I still had no idea what had happened. My guess is I could not steer the sled enough to totally miss the trees. I must have grazed it with my left side, whacking my head hard enough to partially rip my ear from my head. So here is where god’s provision and protection came in. First, my mom had made sure my parka was tight around my head and most of my face so I would not get frostbite. That tight hood saved my ear from getting torn off completely. Next, I must have been knocked out and fallen into the boat-sled and the natural grade had taken me down into the forest where it would be tough to see from the street or even if walking along the flat field. It was also snowing and I must have been nearly buried. By God’s miraculous provision and protection, two cross-country skiers felt compelled to telemark down the slope and head left to go up a back trail. They just happened to spot the fur of my parka sticking out of the snow. My winter school bus tag with my name on it just happened to be connected to the zipper of my jacket and they knew where my father lived. God miraculously provided rescue and protection for what would have been certain tragedy.
God does stuff like that. He provides help just in time and protects many times when we do not even know it.
Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
I know God protected me and provided for me.
Church is a great place to grow in trust of God.
Seeking to trust more in God’s miraculous protection and provision along with you,
Mike McKay
Lead Pastor
714-952-3001
