This question essentially asks, “Who protects and guides Christians while they are still on earth?” We look to the Bible for our answer.

God's kindness guides us.                                         Romans 2:4 (ESV) “…do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”

Jesus guides us.                                                           John 10:3 “To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” Jesus is the doorkeeper who leads His sheep (believers).

The Holy Spirit guides us.                                           John 16:13, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”

Our brethren guide us.                                                  Acts 8:31 “And he said, ‘Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.”

Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness…”

We are protected by God through His Spirit.             Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” The context of the preceding verses (26 & 27) shows that this is done through the Holy Spirit.

This Protection only allows difficulties IF they will help us eternally.                                                                         2 Corinthians 4:16,17, “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.”

 

Difficulties will not be more than we can bear.1Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

See also Matthew 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13; Proverbs 3:11,12; Hebrews 12:5-11.