Because of recent reminders about the dangerous world we live in, I share this story to inspire our younger readers: When potential harm looms, obey God and keep praying!

As a high school senior, I had recently been baptized. One morning, outside the library, two bullies tried to steal my belongings. I managed to slip away. Although the boys followed me inside, I found the librarian. She allowed me sanctuary in a small study room, but she also reminded me to leave when the class bell sounded.

So I entered the room and closed the door. The boys glared through the windows. Turning the lights off, I dropped to my knees and asked God for protection.

When the bell clanged, I knew I had to obey the librarian. The boys were staring right at me. Yes, I was afraid. But I asked another silent prayer and opened the door. They looked at me; I looked back. Then I left. Thankfully, they did not follow, and I attended classes without further incident.

Next day, those same boys stopped me in the hallway. One of them sneeringly accused me of being a chicken, asking why I hid in the library all day! I was dumbfounded! After all, both of them watched me walk out right in front of them. Neither ever bothered me again.

Nearly three decades later, even in writing this, I still smile and shake my head in disbelief! I knew then and now God heard my prayer and miraculously protected me. But perhaps here is the real lesson: God can and will protect us from the ultimate bully—Satan the devil—but only if we do our part.

From Genesis to Revelation, Satan has always bullied God's people, young and old alike. Adam and Eve were bullied. They disobeyed and failed. Our unsafe world is the result. But you and I can be like the second Adam, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:45). We can choose to obey.

God tells us: "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).

Until Jesus Christ returns, God will allow Satan to bully us. But God is still on His throne. He will use Satan's bullying for our ultimate good. When danger looms, remember: Obey God... and keep praying!