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"And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night" (1 Samuel 19:10). "The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety" (Acts 27:44). "My times are in Your hands" (Psalm 31:15a). "Your faithfulness endures to all generations" (Psalm 119:90).

Yesterday we sang a song in church that was especially meaningful after an experience Brooksyne had Saturday evening.

Brooksyne had invited Drema, a friend of ours, to attend a concert with her to hear the Hoppers (a well-known southern Gospel group) at Elizabethtown College about six miles away. Here's her story:

When you have a close call like that and consider the various outcomes it can make you especially appreciative for what we often take for granted. How different today would be if the outcome had been different!

Looking back on your life consider how you have witnessed God's faithfulness. This can be an exercise for all ages but as the years accumulate there's more to look back on! Over and over I can recall close calls in my life.

The term "close call" describes "a narrow escape from danger or disaster". In aviation they use the term "near miss" when two planes pass dangerously close to one another, barely missing a mid-air collision.

All through life we have close calls, those experiences in life where we were within seconds or mere inches from disaster. Some, like Brooksyne's experience Saturday evening, we recognize and acknowledge how close we came to something serious happening. But we also have unrecognized near misses when we are unaware of how close we came to danger, such as a drunk driver or one distracted by texting who comes close to colliding with us but we were oblivious about the near miss.

Some close calls may be due to our own stupidity, carelessness or rebellious living, others due to circumstances beyond our control. In some cases we can learn from them and in all cases we can express gratitude to God for His hand of protection while also teaching us much about our sovereign God and also teaching us about the accidental and purposeful choices we make!

Do you recall any close calls you've encountered? After considering them do you find yourself doubly grateful to God, but also soberly troubled by the question, "WHAT IF"?

Ron DiCianni has an amazing ability to paint an image based on Biblical stories. In his art depictions he often creates people in modern dress and the picture seems to come alive. He writes, "It will be interesting to one day find out all the near misses and unexplained detours God brought us through".

Today's texts refer to close calls. The first concerns David who had many close calls! After his amazing victory over Goliath he became immensely popular and Saul became insanely jealous. The latter part of 1 Samuel describes this period. The daily text is one attempt by Saul to kill David but he escaped. "And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night".

In the second text Paul and many others had been in a ship wreck that could have very well resulted in the loss of many lives. "The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety". This was according to the promise which was made by Paul in Acts 27:22 that no lives would be lost.

Bible teacher Albert Barnes writes,

Aren't you glad for the ways God has protected you through the "many dangers, toils and snares" of life? Our recollection of close calls in addition to the many "near misses" we're completely unaware of reminds us of God's steady care. Peace overcomes our fear when we realize our lives are safe in His loving hands!

Be encouraged today! Hebrews 3:13

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