Are there angels among us? Yes! The Bible tells us that angels are servants of God who carry out His commands. (Psalm 103:20) God instructs His angels to guard (as in guardian angels) and protect us (Psalms 91:11-12). Hebrews 1:14 calls angels “ministering spirits sent by God”.
Over the years there have been people who I feel God sent as “angels in the flesh” to minister and protect Dick and me—people like Lucy Armel, who, when we had no family close by, took us under her wing and helped us with our newborn. Then there was Bill and Peggy Williams who showed us what a living relationship with Jesus looked like. And how about the young cleaning lady who brought us snacks while we were waiting for our son to come out of surgery, and said, “I’m praying for your son.” Or Mrs. Grimes, who fought hard for our daughter when Erin was still in the foster care system. And the cabinet of our Susquehanna Conference, who repeatedly has sought God’s leading as they appointed us to wonderful churches.
Oh, this is such a pitifully inadequate list of the selfless people God has used in our lives! There are many, many more!
While I realize these aren’t the angels the Bible speaks about, I do feel God sent each one as representatives of His love and care. And He is doing it all over again through the selfless people of Mercersburg First United Methodist Church.
These past few weeks Dick and I feel over-the-top blessed by the plethora of “angels in the flesh” God has sent our way! Loads of people have given countless hours to refreshing the parsonage, not to mention the tons of groceries they have stocked the shelves with! They keep telling us how thankful they are that we are serving their church, but Dick and I feel equally blessed to have been called here! With open hearts and open arms. people who were complete strangers just a few short weeks ago. have welcomed us like family. And the laughter! So much laughter! God has kindled sparks of joy everywhere!
I believe that God sends His actual angels—spiritual beings who serve Him—to minister to His followers. But I also believe His Holy Spirit sends us flesh and blood people, people committed to serving Him, to carry out His God-directed ministrations. I am so thankful for these “angels in the flesh”. Who have been yours?
Be encouraged!
