God Can Use A Backpack

AUGUST 17, 2020

By Julie Lockyer, Scheduler/Receptionist

Years ago when my kids were younger, I was driving them to school when my son said, “Mom, I forgot my backpack at home.” He had put his backpack on the ground outside the front door to tie his shoes but forgot to pick it up again. 

I love my son, but I wanted to teach him to be a little more responsible, so I said, “It was your responsibility so now you have to go through the day without it.” 

Little did I know that backpack was going to save me from a potentially dangerous situation.

As I was driving back home, I noticed that the car behind me was unusually too close, so close that I could see the male driver’s face. I turned into the parking lot of the townhouse where we lived at, and he turned in as well. I felt really uncomfortable. I knew the people who lived in our area, and I knew he wasn’t one of them. 

When I parked in my stall, he parked about three stalls away. Red flags rose up inside of me. As I was getting out of my car, God reminded me that my son’s backpack was by the front door. I sensed that I was to grab the backpack and get back to the car quickly, so that the man would think I was just picking something up from someone’s house. I am so glad I listened to God’s voice. 

I followed the sidewalk leading to my unit, grabbed the backpack by the front door, turned around, and saw the suspicious man coming down the pathway toward me. I think he was more startled that I was walking back toward him. I asked him who he was looking for, and he said someone’s name, but then he walked back to his car and left. 

I found out later on that he was a known criminal in the area! I don’t know what his intentions were, but I do know that had my son’s backpack not been by my front door, I would have just entered the house and not even thought about locking the door behind me. I was so thankful that my son forgot his backpack that morning! I was also grateful that God made me aware of the situation and that He prompted me to grab the backpack and turn around. 

Sometimes we think a word from God might be silly or a little strange, so we tend to brush it off. But we need to listen to what He is saying and follow it. I’m sure glad I did! God gave me discernment that day and protected me.

“Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” (Psalm 17:7-8)

Prayer: Lord, thank You for always being there for me when I need You! I may not always feel You by my side, but I know You are always watching over me. Help me to be still and hear Your voice in every situation and to follow your lead. In Jesus Name, Amen!

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