Wake-Up Call

One early autumn morning as I drove to work in the dark, I was startled by a flash of brown in my headlights followed by the sound of something hitting the front of my car. I had clipped a deer at 70 miles per hour! It was only a glancing blow, and no damage was done to my car (or the deer, as far as I could tell), but it really shook me up. I had been in my usual “autopilot mode” for the familiar drive to the office, but the shock of the incident certainly got my attention. I was now fully alert and trying to calm a racing heartbeat. It was a most unpleasant wake-up call.

The apostle Peter offers us a different kind of wake-up call—one that while unpleasant is necessary. He alerts us to a spiritual battle we are engaged in with a powerful enemy. Peter warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). This is a call to wake up, see the danger, and be ready for his attack!

Only when we are aware of the danger that faces us every day will we consciously seek the help we need. And only if we are on the alert will we lean on the strength of our Lord, who is greater than our spiritual enemy.

Though evil may surround us, We need not fear defeat; For when God fights the battle, Our enemies retreat. —Sper

The Christian life is a battleground.

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Prey or Pray! by Patricia Day

A recent report, in our local newspaper, gives reason for concern to hikers or even just casual walkers. In an area west of Barrie – north of Angus – a couple preparing for a hike report having been stalked by cougars! (Innisfil Journal, Sept. 6, 2012)

Having left their vehicle to begin their walk they were immediately aware of movement in the undergrowth on either side of the path they were on. In addition to this they heard what sounded like a whistling noise and felt they were being watched. Deciding to investigate whatever was there and discover what was stopping when they stopped and moving when they did, the man looked into the undergrowth then thought he was imagining things, for looking right back at him was a huge cat: a large cougar, with two others beside it. This sighting was on the outskirts of one large city and bordering another smaller one – not an area where you expect to see these creatures.

His first thought was for his wife, who he ordered back to their vehicle, and then decide how he was going to make it there safely himself. Thankfully, another vehicle suddenly arrived and the sound and that and of doors opening and closing, as more people arrived, saved him. The cats hastily retreated deeper into the bush giving him opportunity to return to the car. He had no doubt that their safety was definitely compromised should the distraction not have occurred. They each realized they had been stalked by the cougars, from the moment they had arrived.

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (NKJV)

Similarly, the devil stalks each of us during our daily walk. He will creep into our lives and then destroy us, given ample opportunity. He will bide his time, stopping when we stop and moving right alongside us when we move. Planning to overcome and destroy us if we are not vigilant, taking steps to protect ourselves.

God is our over-comer: our Protector, as we grow in faith with Him in our lives, He shows us the safe paths to take; paths that lead us to growth and safety and not to destruction. Jesus is His rescuer, if you will, guiding us and bringing us to safety, just as the arrival of the second vehicle brought safety and escape from potential harm to this couple.

Prayer: Father, help us to be constantly aware of our surroundings and not be complacent in any way as we trust in You. Amen

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The Falcon and the Songbird by Patricia Day

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (NKJV)

The song bird swooped and soared, singing as it went oblivious to hazards above. It was in territory it flew often. It felt safe.

The falcon, high in the sky, looked down. It was watching for prey, while flying the skies. There would be no safety, beneath its wings.

The song bird continued its joyful flight until suddenly, it was silenced! The falcon had spotted it, dove, struck and captured. Now the little song bird was in its talons, being deprived of freedom and fighting for its life.

Satan wanders the earth, while we continue our daily lives. We are not seeking anything in particular, just living as we know how. We are just trying to find our way in life. On the other hand, the enemy, Satan knows exactly what he wants. He wants prey! He wants to destroy anything good or beautiful! He is looking for weakness, complacency, innocence – he wants to defile and degrade, with his evil ways.

Stalking the unwary, he easily spots his victims. He strikes and attempts to destroy. The enemy cannot tolerate song for the sheer joy of it! Be on your guard and do not be tempted into unknown territory, because he will find you. He never misses an opportunity to conquer.

God, on the other hand, seeks to bring us safety, and joy beyond our comprehension. He wants us to sing and to be happy. He desires to give us more than we can ever imagine. But we have to choose Him and live His way; a way that is safe and forgiving, not destructive.

Psalm 36:7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. (NKJV)

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