An Angel in the Ceiling

A ngels are all around us. We just can’t see them. Usually. But it’s possible we have seen an angel without realizing we were looking at an angel (Heb. 13:2). Who knows how many times angels may have crossed our paths or intervened in some way in our lives? Although they are heavenly beings, they flit unseen, then sometimes seen, in our world and within our time-space continuum.

Angels are spiritual beings created by God for His glory. The Greek word for angel (ἄγγελος angelos) literally means messenger. These heavenly messengers are ministering spirits sent by God to help believers (Heb. 1:14). Often angels protect us, give directions or instructions, battle demonic forces on our behalf, and help sustain us when we’re in need.

In response to the prayers of fellow believers, an angel rescued Peter from imprisonment. Chains fell off Peter’s wrists, and he followed the angel to safety (Acts 12:5-10). Facing an impending shipwreck, Paul relayed to all those on board that an angel stood by him and that none of the 276 people on the ship would perish (Acts 27:23-44). And thrown into a den of lions with the entrance sealed with a stone, Daniel faced certain death. But the next morning, unharmed by the lions, Daniel announced that God had sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions and prevent him from being eaten alive (Dan. 6:22).

It’s easy to get lulled into complacency about the spiritual dimension of the unseen world. Maybe our western mindset is so thoroughly conditioned by the Enlightenment that this world of angels seems at worst a fantasy and at best impractical. But angels exist. They’re real.

I don’t know how many times I’ve encountered an angel. I suppose many times. Maybe when I’m finally in God’s presence, He’ll roll the video footage of all the angelic encounters in my life. I think I’ll be stunned, and I’ll certainly be grateful. Even though I can’t recall page after page of my angel sightings through the years, I do have a vivid memory of one especially powerful experience with an angel.

In 1987 Tricia and I, with our two young children, moved from Texas to Maryland to start our church. It would prove to be the adventure of a lifetime. Over three and a half decades, we saw God work in powerful ways. But it was never easy. Each season had its own challenges, but year three of our church plant was especially grueling.

We were reaching new people but many in the original core group of 25 people had gradually drifted away from the church. Our church was ripe for renewed vision, yet vulnerable to division. We were still discerning what kind of church we would be. God was with us, but the devil was too. I sometimes sensed the tangible presence of evil—demonic forces in full assault mode trying to stop this new church.

One night, while lying in bed, my heart and my head were racing. So much to think about. So many things to worry about. And that’s when I saw it. A giant wing pierced the ceiling above the bed and gradually moved from one side of the ceiling to the other. I was awake, not dreaming. I saw it with my own eyes. This angelic encounter lasted less than 10 seconds.

I still remember vivid details about that experience. The wing was enormous. The entire wing was never visible at once. It moved across the ceiling, first dipping down then gliding across the ceiling, then back up through the ceiling. Seeing that wing was awe-inspiring, like seeing a massive great white shark gliding within feet of the aquarium glass.

Not only was I surprised by the size of the wing, but I also saw its vivid detail. I saw every feather, every pattern, every hue of color. Every feature of the wing was crystal clear and in sharp focus. I knew immediately, there was no natural explanation for what I was seeing. This was supernatural.

While the experience left me awestruck, I was never afraid. I felt peace and relief even though my pulse had quickened a bit. I felt like God was saying, “I see you. I’m with you. I’ve got you.” I think God was preparing me for even harder days ahead. The presence of one of God’s angels would remind me that God loves me and cares about me even through difficulties. I never have to be afraid.

I’ve told this story only a few times over the years. I’m not one to sensationalize personal experiences. But we have a sensational God. And some stories are worth telling again.

But my story is not unique. Countless others have seen angels. Some without knowing they were looking at angels. And chances are, you’ve encountered angels. Take comfort in God’s care for you. There’s also some biblical evidence that you have a special angel who rides shotgun with you as you go throughout life or at least through your childhood years. In Matthew 18:10, Jesus says,

The “little ones” might be referring to small children or could be a reference to young believers. Regardless, their angels appear to be at the ready to provide support because they are beholding the face of God and stand ready to do what God wants done.

God is kind and loving. And His care for us is often expressed through the attentiveness of angels. Here’s how the Psalmist says it in Psalm 91:11-12,

We don’t worship angels; we worship God. We don’t pray to angels; we pray to God. We don’t obsess over angels; we obsess over God. But God has created angels, and they are sent by Him to help us. So, take heart and be courageous. God’s angels are all around you. Maybe even sometimes in the ceiling.