As I rounded a bend on a wooded trail I had walked many times with my dogs, I heard what sounded like a barking dog deep in the woods. The sound grew louder until I spotted what looked like a German Shepherd running toward us—a loose dog.
Then I realized it wasn’t a dog. It was a coyote.
Each time I yelled or threw a stick, it backed away, circled through the trees, and returned even closer. I was alone, and the safety of my car was a long way behind me. The coyote showed no sign of leaving.
Covered in sweat, I remembered there was a house farther down the trail and kept moving toward it. Holding the dogs close, we climbed the last hill with the coyote charging to within just a few feet of us. After leaving the trail and pushing through the woods, we reached the safety of the porch. The coyote retreated.
Life has its dangers, both physical and spiritual. Many people in prison know what it feels like to be pursued by things that once controlled them. Addictions, unhealthy relationships, and old patterns of thinking can suddenly confront them. Even after placing their faith in Jesus, those struggles often wait for an opportunity to return.
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:7–8).
When you correspond with people in prison, consider sharing the truth that God does not always remove the dangers around us, but He promises to walk with us through them. Encourage them to stay close to Him through prayer (Psalm 145:18), Scripture, and daily trust (Psalm 37:5). Our safest place is always in His care.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
A week later, I was driving to another park when a coyote trotted across the road and disappeared into those same woods.
The coyote was still there, but so was God.
He had faithfully watched over my coming and going.
You can help remind someone in prison that God is with them, even in the midst of their struggles. Become a Crossroads mentor and walk alongside people in prison as they study God’s Word and grow in faith.