Psalm 91:11-12 – “For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” NKJV
I wanted a picture of an angel, but since they are depicted as a baby, or a female, I decided to forego the image. I’ve never heard of anyone seeing an angel in either form.
Have you ever seen an angel? Or do you know someone who has had an encounter with an angelic being? Not someone who is so wonderful to you that you call them an angel, but a divine messenger of the Lord! I have, and I’ll never forget it!
One Saturday evening, I made a spur of the moment trip to the mall to pick up something. It was in the summer, so the evenings were longer, and it was still light outside when I went. I ran into the store, got what I needed, and walked out into the parking lot.
For some reason, when I stepped out of the door, I noticed that there were no other people around. I wasn’t worried at first, because I had parked close to the door, but then I got a sense that something wasn’t right. It’s amazing how time can stand still and much can happen in a few seconds, but as soon as I noticed that the place was unusually empty and quiet, I saw a white car with four men in it.
I don’t know what drew my attention to them, but I realized that they were just sitting in the car. When they saw me looking at them, all four doors opened and the men begin to get out of the car. My first thought was, O God! I just knew in an instant that they were up to no good, and that I was their target. Then I thought, maybe I could run back into the store and ask for security. Before I could complete the thought or take action, a man appeared at my side. He was a large man in a security uniform, and because of his sudden appearance, I jumped. My family says I jump at everything, but I think even they would concur that this was a time to be on edge.
The man asked me if I would like for him to walk me to my car. Of course I said yes! I turned back towards the car, just in time to see all four men had gotten back into their car, closed their doors, and the car sped off. That was my proof that they were sitting there waiting for someone they could grab or rob. I can’t even begin to explain the relief that flooded my soul! Seeing that the danger had passed, I turned to thank the security guard and to tell him that I would be okay. But he was gone!
At that point, I was more concerned about getting to my car and getting home, than about what happened to the security guard! I rushed to the car, jumped in, locked the door, and thanked God for saving me from the plans of the enemy! As I drove home, I began to wonder what had happened to the security guard, and why had he left without saying anything? It was at that moment that I realized that it had been an angel! God sent Him, as my heart cried, O God! And I was delivered from the hand of the enemy. Just thinking about it, gladdens my heart today!
The Bible has a lot to say about angels, but few people have ever had an encounter with an angel. We are told in the New Testament to be careful of how we respond to strangers for some have entertained angels unaware. And still, most of us don’t know if we have ever seen an angel. Years earlier, I was sitting in a waiting room. An old lady, with an odor, came to sit by me. My first thought was to move, then I remembered this verse about strangers and angels. We struck up a conversation, and then my name was called so that I could take care of my business. I got up to leave, but then I decided to say good bye to her, so I turned and she was not there. I figured, it was an angel!
Angels are a part of the creation of God. He has given them charge over us to keep us. Therefore, we should have times in our lives when we sense, if not see, their involvement. Jacob wrestled with an angel. Joshua encountered an angel as he entered Jericho. Gideon spoke with an angel when he was in the wine press hiding from the Midianites. Samson’s parents had a visit from an angel, twice, to tell of his birth. An angel released Peter from prison. An angel visited Paul on the ship that was caught in a major storm, and told him they would survive. On more than one occasion, angels fought battles for the people of God.
What’s the point? Angels are real! They are assigned to us to help us. They stay in the background of life, but occasionally we get to see one. They are supernatural beings with a lot of power. One former satanist recalled that he tried to curse some Christians, but their angels showed up (he was able to see the angels) and he was unable to curse those Christians. Although we may not see them, we are their assignment and they are on it!
I’m not sure why I felt so impressed to share this incident in my life about my angelic encounter. Maybe you’ve had one, and wasn’t really sure that it was an angel; or that anyone would believe it. Well, I for one, believe. God is an amazing, supernatural God, and so is His army! And maybe, that’s the point!
Should you pray for an angelic encounter? That’s an interesting question. I think more accurately you should pray that you are able to discern angelic activity in your life. This is a spiritual gift! The gift of discerning of spirits. The important thing is to just acknowledge the doctrinal truth of angels, and to be aware of them. You just may get a chance to entertain one! Wonderful Jesus!
