Emily and I just got back from a trip where we drove cross-country. Our relationship is one where I’m always the driver (insert my control factor here) and she’s the navigator (she really does a fantastic job). I’ve always loved road trips and have never backed down from one. I travelled all over Germany as a child, so it’s practically in my DNA to make a batch of lemon stickies, throw our pillows and blankets in the car with the suitcases and drive rather than fly anywhere.
As I’ve gotten older, however, I find I’ve begun to prefer less driving at night. Five years ago, my girls and I would drive 15+ hours in the car on the first leg of the trip, driving late into the night so that we would have a short day the next day in the car. It didn’t bother me in the least. As I’ve aged, I’m actually now afraid that my eyes aren’t going to efficiently catch my surroundings. Do you know what I’m afraid of? I’m afraid of hitting a deer. (Emily, we will NOT discuss the raccoon from a week ago until I’ve sufficiently recovered.)
They dart out in the darkness of night and think nothing of the people driving along the highway other than “your road is in my way.” I’ve seen them multiple times just grazing right on the edge of the road, and I keep thinking to myself as I get closer Please stay there! I have to be on my guard to make sure that I see what’s on either side and am prepared for what may bolt out into my path.
I should be just as aware when it comes to the wiles of the devil. The Bible says in I Peter 5:8, “Be of sober spirt, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
The devil prowls around. He’s lurking along the edges of our walk with God looking for ways to interfere. It’s typically not blatant or obvious. It’s subtle and crafty. He’s standing just close enough to see when he might pounce. He’s taking his time looking to see what’s available to mess with. Then before we’ve realized it, he’s bounded into our path and worked overtime to hurt our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
We must be constantly vigilant about satan trying to wreak havoc. Just like I have to be on guard for the deer jumping out in the road, we must make sure we are prepared for satan’s temptations.
How do we do that? We start by having a relationship with Jesus and asking Him to be our Lord and Savior. We have a faithful prayer life, bringing our petitions to God. We pray that we will consistently put on the whole armor of God. We read His Word. The Bible is God-breathed. We need only look on those pages to see what God would have us do and how to be ready for battle. We commune with fellow believers! Surrounding yourself with other Christ-followers allow us to join together as we battle the tempter.
Sweet friend, I challenge you to be aware of your surroundings. Be prepared and vigilant for the fight against satan! And remember, God always gets the victory!
~Erin
Iron Porch 