The Prowler
By Maria Drayton
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV
I don’t know about you, but I am always delighted when God shows up in my day and even night. But many times I’m even more impressed when I don’t even know He has, until afterward. This time He reminded me of something important that I had been forgetting. His full armor.
You see, I had forgotten to lock the door. I had gone out for something in my car and forgot to lock the car door behind me. It wasn’t the first time I hadn’t locked my car but this night would be different.
The following morning I got in my car to find someone had been inside my car. It wasn’t a good feeling to know a stranger had been in my things. My business cards had been strewn about my driver’s seat and my middle console had been rummaged through. I really couldn’t believe it - considering we live in a quiet development deep in a cul-de-sac. Our house is not easily accessible.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV
I got in and drove to work, all the while trying to make sense of it. I couldn’t. One thing I knew, God was watching. The money that was in the glovebox hadn’t even been touched.
After careful reflection, I realized that the Lord was “keeping watch over my life” while I slept. I hadn’t been prudent and realized it. But even in my carelessness, God still stood guard.
The Lord will keep you from all harm, He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8 NIV
My car was equipped with an alarm (which I forgot to activate that night and many others). Although, I had been told and the car was equipped - it hadn’t been activated. We are equipped too and sometimes need to be reminded that “we need to activate” what’s accessible to us.
I don’t know about you, but I love it when the Holy Spirit brings things to my remembrance and gently nudges my spirit. I need to stay watchful and diligent keeping in mind that I have an “ever-present” enemy that seeks to devour me at any cost.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6: 11-18 NIV
Heavenly Father, Thank You for keeping watch over my life. You remind me daily of how great You are. Though the enemy prowls about my life, You protect me from his fiery darts. Let me remain aware and ready to withstand his evil schemes by putting on Your full armor. Your ways are good and I will delight in them always. Amen.
© 2018 by Maria Drayton. All rights reserved.
Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Pull up a chair… He’s been waiting for you.
Need a refill? Please join us at the Encouragement Café with Luann and Friends.
The conversation at the Café is always hot and fresh. We invite you to listen in as we gather around the table to discuss everyday life.
Comfort food for your soul is always on our menu, and friends are always close enough to hug. We invite you to join us daily, as our writer’s share how the Lord continues to transform them into His glorious image.
Still craving more…Join us as we grow together in grace and truth through our online bible study.
Stop by Encouragement Café and listen as the girls share life. Find podcasts, videos, Bible studies, prayer, resources and daily helpings of hope, laughter and friendship around our table. We've saved a seat just for you!
Originally published Friday, 01 September 2023.
SHARE
