I so rarely have the chance to enjoy a cool evening in August in Texas, so you can imagine how disappointed I was when an unexpected guest showed up. While visiting with a friend on the back deck the other week, a pesky mosquito kept buzzing around making a pest of itself. It didn’t take long before I realized not only was it bugging me (see what I did there 😉), but it had actually bit me several times.
After going back inside a few ideas came to mind:
I wasn’t prepared.
Because we hardly ever have an evening cool enough to sit outside in August in Texas, I didn’t even think of putting in bug spray or clothes that covered my skin better. I just grabbed a beverage and plopped down in the couch outside. The Bible instructs us to be prepared for attack by wearing the full armor of God. We’re told to be alert and ready for the enemy’s schemes.
I ignored it.
When the pesky little mosquito flew past my face or buzzed by my ear, I simply swatted at it. I didn’t consider the damage it was causing when I couldn’t see it. It found the most vulnerable spots and launched its attack. That’s what the enemy does, he distracts us and then attacks us in the spots that are unprotected and exposed. He finds the weak points and hits us again and again until we can no longer ignore him. By then, the damage is done!
I gave up.
Once the mosquito had become such a nuisance and I felt sore and itchy, I gave up on my evening on the porch and went inside. The attack had changed my plans! How many times have we allowed the enemy to make us discouraged, frustrated, or hurt to the point that we simply give up? Even allowing him to defeat us once is too many times and, unfortunately, it happens far too often.
The enemy we face is not as harmless as a mosquito. Our enemy wants to steal, kill, and destroy. But we have a Great Defender who can conquer our enemy and send him back to where he came from! We need only equip ourselves with God’s word to stand against the enemy’s lies. We need to stay alert and watch for the attack instead of ignoring what goes on around us. And we need to stand strong and not give up knowing God will fight for us if we let Him. We may be under attack, but the good news is God is fighting for us and we know how the story ends!
Be blessed!
Jennifer
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.” Exodus 14:14