To the fan of science fiction, ideas of parallel universes and alternate realities are familiar concepts; the genre furnishes many imaginative stories of distinctive places in different dimensions. In the clever fantasy, ‘Chronicles of Narnia’, a material reality co-exists with our reality and characters can traverse between the two. C.S. Lewis and other inventive writers, invite audiences to imagine beyond the scope of their world into a world previously unseen.

It is no wonder that creative minds envision other dimensions and planes of existences. It seems that something in our natural constitution, understands that there is an element of mystery and ‘big-ness’ in our universe. We can imagine that the other-worldly and unexplainable fill the space out there. In truth, we really do live in a textured and layered reality. As students of the Infallible Word, we know that there is a Heaven, there is a Hell, there are angels, there are demons and of course, there is this earth on which we live. Standing behind the rail of Earth’s lookout, we do not see Heaven or Hell, angels or demons but, by the authority of Scripture, we understand that they exist and that we are affected by their existence.

In the biblical record, we are permitted glimpses of these ‘unseens’. In Revelation, John describes the glories of heaven in rich detail. In Luke 16, the torment of Hell is relayed in a conversation with one of its captives. Old Testament prophets encounter angels, the messengers of God. In Ephesians, we are warned of our participation in spiritual warfare: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (6:11-12, KJV) The Word of God allows us, in our generation, to see and imagine, what we might not be able to see or imagine with the blinders of earth-vision. These privileged glimpses encourage us, prepare us and give us hope.

I find great comfort in knowing that God commissions legions of angels to guard us and minister to us: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14, NIV) They involve themselves with our lives and rejoice over our spiritual victories. “I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10b, NIV) They are created beings, heavenly ambassadors, mighty warriors and obedient worshippers of the Eternal Father, carrying out His every order with speed and strength. Invisible to us, they remain active in the affairs of man and God. “What’s impossible to all humanity may be possible to the metaphysics and physiology of angels.” (Joseph Glaville)

We must never worship angels, but let us be encouraged by the presence of these, God’s agents, in our world. They traverse between heaven and earth – our dimension and theirs – with the blessing of the Father and the wisdom of His orders. As Milton said, “Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth unseen.” We are never abandoned to our hardships or spiritual warfare, but we are given the arms of angels and the very strength of God’s Spirit dwelling within us. From the unseen realms, Satan may launch his fiery darts and temptation may surround us as a carefully laid minefield, but we are not left defenseless. We are given the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6 and the accompaniment of angelic force. “Christians should never fail to sense the operation of angelic glory, it forever eclipses the world of demonic powers, as the sun does a candle’s light.” (Billy Grahm)

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11-12, KJV)

Liz Miller lives in Daphne with her husband Matt and son, Logan. She looks forward to responding to your thoughts, prayer requests and guest speaker invitations, please write to millerfam3@hotmail.com.