It only takes one to destroy the peace and wreak havoc.
Something is getting into the chicken yard, although it is fenced and the flock has shelters to get in.
We can go a long time with no problem. All is peaceful and secure—seemingly. No missing birds. No mounds of feathers. No partial bodies.
Then, we start missing hens, and in this case, ducks, too.
The security cameras that you can get now, help us figure out what is breaking in, if we can tell from the sometimes dark and blurry photo. Then we have to figure out how to stop the prowler!
It seems like there’s always something.
Have you noticed in your life, and in your spiritual life, that the same type of thing happens?
There is a temptation that plagues you. There is a sin that you fight to conquer. There are feelings and memories that are destructive that you have dealt with and have forgiven the perpetrator that still come up and haunt you. Maybe you feel addicted to a harmful substance: drugs, sugar, food, gambling, porn, violence, whatever that seeks to destroy you and your relationships. Your temper and sharp tongue may be tearing down your home and peace.
Each of us has our struggles.
The Bible tells us that: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” I Corinthians 10:13
We can be tempted as we happily go along, but sometimes the devil or one of his minions comes along to try to destroy us.
I Peter 5:8 tells us: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
John 10:10 adds to our understanding: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The thief is the devil.
What can we do when we are under attack?
James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Ephesians 6:11 instructs us: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
We are not defenseless ducks or chickens.
As Christians, we are the children of God, and can call on Him to help us. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
So mend your spiritual fences, be on guard, and fight back!
