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Some years ago, my husband and I were carefully following a path in the Everglades National Park in Florida. It wasn't a wide path, and it was unusual in that it wended its way through a swamp, with water on both sides. No railings protected us. You definitely had to watch your step, especially since nearby signs warned of alligators lurking in the water.
I stopped to read the sign. “Alligators can move surprisingly fast through the water, and will eat anything if they are hungry.” stated the information. “Keep your distance if you spot an alligator.” I started being really vigilant, and kept scanning the dark murky waters, which weren't far below the level of the path. All of a sudden, I spied two eyes swimming rapidly towards us. Common sense prevailed, and I quickly increased my walking pace. Most likely this wasn't a hungry alligator, but just a curious one. Just the same, we moved along on the path, and kept looking about us. I had no desire to be an alligator snack.
Just as we were in potential danger on the path in the swamp, our spiritual lives are prone to threat as well.
How do we stay safe in an environment fraught with hazards to our spiritual well-being?
* We need to remember Who it is that is in control, He Who knows all and sees all that goes on in our lives. As Jesus-followers, we will have certainly have trouble, but the Lord watches over us.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8 NLT)
* We have to realize that in this world, we do have an enemy, and that our souls are at risk. We have to be alert to the probability of attack. We are vulnerable when we're feeling alone or weak. I've recognized in my life that I'm vulnerable to the lies of the enemy when I'm tired. We're vulnerable to attack when we're so focused on our troubles that we forget the truth. We're not watching out for the traps the enemy likes to spring on us.
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10 NLT) In the sixth chapter of Ephesians, Paul lists the pieces of the armour God provides that help us resist the devil, who wants only to “kill and steal and destroy.” (John 10:10 NLT)
The body armour and the helmet of salvation are the protection, and the sword of the Spirit is our offensive weapon that strengthens our faith. Let's avail ourselves of these wonderful and powerful resources.
“Stand firm against all the strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11b NLT) “Stand your ground” (Ephesians 6:14” NLT) When we know and experience the truth from God's Word, we will not be swayed by lies and attacks.
* “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert” (Ephesians 6:18 NLT) Let's make prayer a part of our daily consciousness; let it be as much a part of us as breathing.
Thank you, Lord, that You have provided knowledge, discernment , and safeguards for us as we travel on the narrow road of life. Amen.
Alice Burnett
Red Deer, AB, Canada
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