When we hear a title like that, we usually think of heaven, our ultimate place of reward. But there’s another place God has prepared for His people: the place of safety. John mentions it in Revelation 12:6, “And the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she might be nourished for 1260 days.”

In Revelation’s way of presenting realities in figures, the woman represents the people of God, members of His church. Threatened by the devil, she flees to the place of safety and nourishment that God has provided – although temporarily, because her troubles will only be temporary. God is always watching out for His people, caring for them, protecting them, and sustaining them. This is not a literal place we can speed off to in our cars when we need it; it’s a spiritual place we can access anytime we are threatened or hassled. It is the loving care of God.

 We are living in dangerous times. Threats are thrown at us from foreign powers and homegrown terrorism bubbles up regularly. While distant governments rattle the economy, our own North American governments also upset people. The business world is worried because the stock market is once again having a merry plunge. And immorality seems to dominate the moral climate of our society. And the devil loves it all.

We don’t have to wring our hands in anxiety and fear. There have been worse times in the past and Christians have cruised right through them, although not without concern for others.

We must remember that the woman of Revelation 12 had a secure place to go where she was safe and cared for. We have that too. God’s caring hands are always present. Just as God reassured the Israelites, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever for sake you” (Quoted in Hebrews 13:5), so it is for us.

God has a place prepared for you today; have you been there?

– Tim Johnson