How many times have you been in a life-threatening situation? You might say, "Well, not many." But really, almost every moment that passes by could cause harm or trouble. Take driving to school, for example. A deer could run out at any moment, and when you try to avoid the danger, your life ends in an instant. Your life is so precious, but God could take it away in a second. Sometimes, we feel like we are untouchable and immortal, but really we are vulnerable and not in control of life at all. But many times throughout the Bible, God tells us not to fear and reminds us to trust in him.

I think everybody takes his own life for granted at some point. People just don't realize how fragile life is. But then again, we can't go around worrying about what might happen to us. People like that will not have a very enjoyable time on earth.

I remember a time that I knew God was watching over me. I was only five years old. I was spending the day with my dad, who owns a candy store in Madison, because I wanted to see how my dad made all the candy and to eat some, of course. My dad was just wrapping up when he heard a loud bang on the door. He went to see who it was. I was in the back and couldn't see who was there. My dad came back to me and told me to hide in the back closet. To this day, I've never seen my dad look at me with such a serious face. I didn't ask any questions and went directly to the closet.

I could hear the banging on the door getting louder. My dad asked, "What do you want?" I could tell he was scared. I put my head down and starting breathing heavy. I was scared too. My dad must have let him in because I could hear a voice clearly yell, "Shut up and get on the floor." I wanted to go out and try to help, but I thought better of it. I heard banging on something. I guessed it was the cash register. The voice yelled, "Why won't this thing open? Come here and open it!" He included many vulgar words, which I'd rather not say. My dad obeyed, and the man left with a snide remark, "Thank you very much."

A minute later my dad rushed in by me and picked me up. He was shaking, and it made me cry seeing my dad scared. He sat there holding me for probably 15 minutes before he got up and said, "Let's go."

It's moments like these that you realize how much God really does protect you. Who knows what that man could have done to my dad or me.
This obviously doesn't happen all the time. But just look back at your day and think about all the things that could have gone wrong and ended your life. A simple spark could burn down your house, or a bolt of lightning could strike you down in any storm. God in his grace watches over us at all times and guards us against the evil that approaches. And even when bad stuff happens, he still cares for us. Every day, we should thank God that we are alive in this wonderful world.

Jake Jarnigo, a junior at Lakeside Lutheran High School, Lake Mills, Wisconsin, is a member at St. Paul, Lake Mills.