The snake lay, quietly rolled up in a ball, in the middle of this little-used road in Southern Arizona. It was early, and the morning sun was just starting to ward off the coolness of the night. While waiting for the heat to do its job on its cold-blooded body, the snake was also carefully watching for a mouse to peek over the road’s edge. But suddenly, the road underneath its body began to quake!

The snake didn’t pay any attention to it at first; but then it dawned on the reptile: there is a car on the way! But by this time, the danger it was already immanent: the vehicle was already in view! And then the snake was gone . . .

The occupants of the car could only stare in astonishment at the spot that the snake had just occupied, mesmerized at how fast a serpent could slither across a road!

How do I know this? Because I was the driver of that car that morning. And that’s the day we learned that snakes are not as slow as we might have thought! Beware!

The same is true with the one referred to as the serpent in the Bible (See Rev 20:2). He, too, waits patiently for his prey: Us! And He is especially fast when he sees an opportunity to hook us for life to something loathsome and addictive (See 1 Thess 3:5)!

Although it is advised that we run away from temptation, the good news is that you can also get the tempter to run!

“They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb and the bold word of their witness. They weren’t in love with themselves; they were willing to die for Christ.” (Rev 12:11 The Message)

“In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade.” (2 Cor 2:14)

“Your fellowship with God enables you to gain a victory over the Evil One.” (1 John 2:14 The Message)

If you are struggling with addiction, stop trying to get out of by your own efforts. It’s useless, and you will find yourself even more tightly wrapped up in your sin. Victory is only possible through Jesus, the Christ. Get to know Him, develop a relationship with Him and find out how terrified the evil one becomes when facing our Forever Friend! You will be amazed at how fast he can run, for Jesus is like the car that was bearing down on the poor snake on the road! Watch and see how freedom will become your reality when Jesus is at your side!

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)

When you rely on Jesus, you will stand by and see the devil on the run! Thank you, Jesus!

I sure wouldn’t want to be that snake!

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “The Slimy, Slithering, Beady-Eyed, Forked-Tonged Serpent” devotional series, please click here.)