Sadie Robertson Thanks God for Protecting Her Amid 'Frightening' Situation: 'Scary Things Can Happen at Any Time'

Jun 27, 2017 08:53 AM EDT

Sadie Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" fame has praised God for protecting and comforting her after she went through a "frightening" experience.

"Tonight was a very frightening night," the 23-year-old actress and author shared in a recent Instagram post. "I walked out into the parking garage and saw a white van parked beside my car with 3 men that had been previously been following me in the mall. You hear this story all the time... I won't go into the details of mine however I'm very thankful tonight to be writing y'all a message of awareness tonight."

Robertson urged her 2.8 million followers to remember that even though we "serve a GOOD God", "scary things can happen at anytime because until the day Jesus comes back evil will still be in the world."

"I want to encourage you in saying that that's when the promises of the Lord are something we have to truly be so thankful for," she continued. "Today more than any I'm thankful to be able to have joy knowing I'm protected in the shadow of His wing."

Willie and Korie's daughter said she's "really thankful for good people" like her father, who answered the phone to calm her spirit, her Heavenly Father, who sent His Spirit to comfort her, and the worship band Hillsong United, "for the words of their songs that I had embedded in my brain when thoughts of fear were wanting to take over."

She also urged her followers "be aware of your surroundings".

"We hear this a lot, but then we also snap chat a lot if ya know what I mean," Robertson explained. "We aren't necessarily the most aware of our surroundings generation, but a minute of not paying attention tonight could of created a whole different life for me."

"Be aware, always be in prayer, trust your 'weird feelings' (Spirit Checks), and call your accountability ALWAYS no matter how sure you are of the situation," she concluded. "We all need help every now and then... don't be afraid to ask. I'm praying for bravery over every person who encounters a situation like the one I did tonight."

The "Live Original" author also shared a screenshot of Psalm 63:6-8: "I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely."

Robertson's post was "liked" by over 8,000 people, with many commenting words of encouragement and prayers of thankfulness for her safety.

"Grateful that you're safe. Grateful you know to be attentive and aware. Thank you for sharing. God is always with His children!!" wrote one commenter.

"Love you Sadie! I am so glad you are safe!! Thanks for praying over us about that and thanks for just that reminder that Heaven is our home!!" added another.

Still others offered advice for the young woman should she encounter such a situation again:

"There is a new smart wearable device designed to serve as an alert system for these very kinds of situations that is starting to ship now called Roar (roarforgood.com). I try to stay alert in these situations but am not always the best. New tech can help!" wrote one supporter.

Added another, "I am praising God for keeping you safe and for your instincts. As you said, so many especially nowadays, do not take care of their surroundings and 'ASSUME' it will NOT HAPPEN TO THEM. Always have your eyes and ears peeled. This was a scary situation and I'm so thankful to our Heavenly Father for protecting you."

Sadie Robertson Recounts Powerful Conversation with Atheist: 'That Night, His Life Changed'