This is Dr. Jaerock Lee, Senior Pastor of Manmin Central Church in Seoul, Korea. I wish your life will be filled with God’s love and blessing. I want to share God’s grace with you through this message titled “Our Strong Refuge.”
In our time so many people are dying of various accidents and diseases, unexpected and unusual weather change. When an earthquake happens, a whole city is devastated and no building can escape destruction and even the most advanced security system is useless. Where, then, is the safest zone in which we can live in peace and comfort?
On the September 11, 2001 attacks the World Trade Center was destroyed and many people felt heartbroken. Similarly, a department store named “Sampoong Department Store” was terribly collapsed. At that time one member of Manmin Joong-ang Church was on that spot. She miraculously survived and was rescued.
She was in the dispensary for a rest. Suddenly it felt like all cars drove away from the parking lot at the same time and appalling sound was heard like metals scratched on the ground. And electricity power failed and darkness covered all the areas there. Whenever she breathed in, dust entered her mouth. She instantly felt the building was collapsing down. The nurse in chafe of her had the head hurt and shuddered for fear in darkness. The nurse suggested to her that they should hide themselves under the desk for fear something worse should happen.
But she answered, “What is the use of this small desk? Let’s commit everything into the hands of our God who controls life, death, fortune and misfortune and pray to Him.” Then she put her arms around the trembling nurse and prayed that God might keep additional destruction and the people be rescued. Actually it was a so horrible situation. But she sang praises and prayed to God. Hearing her prayer, the nurse repented of not believing in God and accepted Jesus Christ.
A little while later a rescue team heard their singing and praying, made a tunnel and approached them. Finally the nurse and she were dramatically rescued. What was more surprising was that even a hair of her body was not damaged except stockings with holes.
The reason that she could survive and be rescued from that serious disaster was because she abided in the almighty God who is our strong refuge and hiding place. “Abiding in God” refers to living according to the word of God. Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain.”
In the Book of 1 Samuel we find that when David did a great job in the warfare against the Philistines and received fervent favor from the people, King Saul became jealous and chased David to kill him. David completely relied on God and asked for His help, so that no part of his body was damaged and he was fully protected. His heart was full of peace and joy in the threats of his life.
So, may each of you really love God and obey His word so that you can abide in the protection of God in any circumstances and glorify Him, in the name of our Lord I pray!
