A Dark Day Subscribe to the Devotional

This week's focus: Protection

It was a beautiful, sunny day on April 15, 2013; a great day to be outside, and thousands of people were. The mood was joyous as spectators cheered for everyone running the prestigious Boston Marathon. With sore legs but a happy heart, I high-fived a little boy as I turned onto Boylston Street, about to complete the 26.2-mile race. Overwhelmed with emotion, I thanked God that I would soon see a dream of mine come true. However, as excited as I was, I was equally tired and looking forward to crossing the finish line so I could rest and celebrate. Then, suddenly, everything changed. With only a few minutes to go, I heard a loud explosion that caused me to look up.

I watched as smoke darkened the previously clear sky. Not expecting anything sinister on this perfect day, I assumed it was fireworks celebrating Patriot’s Day, so I continued running. Only moments later, I heard another loud blast, but this time, it was deafening. In horror, I witnessed flames shoot out of the building in front of me as windows exploded. Panicking, I now understood that the first blast wasn’t fireworks but a bomb.

A policeman wasn’t far from where I was standing, and with fear in his eyes, he looked at me and shouted, “Run, run, run!” He knew we were under attack, and if there were a third bomb, it would be close to where I was. After pointing me away from the devastation, he heroically ran toward the smoke and flames to help save others. I didn’t want to disobey him, but I couldn’t move. The night before, my husband told me where he planned to wait for me—in front of the building where the bomb just exploded. My dream was turning into a nightmare.

Not knowing what to do, I closed my eyes and put my hands over my head, waiting for another bomb to explode. Was my husband alive? Were my friends, okay? Was this the last day of my life? Surrounded by confusion and waiting for the worst, my heart was exploding in my chest. Then I remembered that I wasn’t alone.

Even amid chaos, God wasn’t surprised; He was with me and in control. I knew I could trust Him with my eternity and my moments. When I focused on this truth, I felt a supernatural peace that belongs to those who belong to Jesus. I was ready if this was the day He chose to take me home.

After a few long minutes and nothing else happened, I searched for someone to help me locate my husband. Not knowing what to do or where to go, I finally found someone willing to let me use their phone. I cried tears of relief when I discovered he and my friends were safe and accounted for.

What started as a bright, sunny day instantly became dark and cold. Laughter and rejoicing turned to tears and misery, illuminating how broken this world is. Since that day, I’ve had an urgency to share the gospel with as many people as possible. I want to direct those in danger away from destruction and point them to safety. 2 Corinthians 6:2 agrees with this urgency when we read, “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Since tomorrow—or even the next second—isn’t promised, time is of the essence.

As Spirit-filled believers, may we boldly run toward those who need Him. We won't regret this decision when we cross our eternal finish line. Surrounded by others, we will get to rest and celebrate together for all eternity.

It's incredible how quickly life can change.

by: Jennifer McAlister for My Faith Votes