What Divine Protection Does Not Mean

The promise of divine protection does not mean that Jehovah is obligated to work miracles in our behalf. No, our God does not guarantee us a problem-free life in this old system. Many faithful servants of Jehovah face severe adversities, including poverty, war, sickness and death. Jesus plainly told his disciples that as individuals they might be put to death because of their faith. That is why Jesus stressed the need for endurance to the end. (Matthew 24:9, 13) If Jehovah were to use his power to effect miraculous deliverance in all cases,there might be a basis for Satan to taunt Jehovah and to call into question the genuineness of our devotion to our God. -Job 1:9, 10.

Even in Bible times, Jehovah did not use his protective power to shield each of his servants from untimely death. For example, the apostle James was executed by Herod in about 44 C.E.; yet, shortly afterward, Peter was delivered "out of Herod's hand." (Acts 12:1-11) And John,, the brother of James, outlived both Peter and James. Clearly, we cannot expect our God to protect all his servants in identical ways. Besides, "time and unforeseen occurrence"befall us all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) How, then, does Jehovah protect us today?

Next time: Jehovah Provides Physical Protection

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002