My husband is one of those people who watches the most random video clips. From funny bloopers to ultimate bad days to narrow escapes and a host of other weird and unusual scenarios that cannot even be categorized.
The other day I walked through the room and caught a glimpse of one of them. It showed a car traveling through one of those drive-through safari parks. In this particular clip, a lioness casually approached the vehicle and grabbed hold of the door handle with its teeth. Much to the occupants’ terror, the door unlatched and swung open in the middle of a pride of lions. The passenger’s scream accompanied her instant reaction to grab the door and pull it firmly shut, thus escaping any harm.
Immediately, my husband pondered, “Why would anyone drive through a place like that with their doors unlocked?”
To which I answered, “Why would anyone assume a lion would open their car door?”
Needless to say, my husband would be the safer person to drive with through an adventure park if you are concerned about the animals trying to hitch a ride.
But seriously, who would expect a lion to stroll over to your vehicle and open the door? I certainly did not see that one coming. But the truth is, we would do well to travel through dangerous territory with our doors locked instead of take our flimsy safety for granted.
It wasn’t like the lioness appeared dangerous in her approach. Indeed, the travelers were initially excited (in a positive way) to get such a close look at this wild animal. But that excitement escalated to one of sheer panic as the door that should have remained secure in protecting them proved to be easily breached by a threatening predator.
What can seem fascinating from a position of presumed safety can become deadly when our defenses are down. If the door was locked, it would never have swung open in the middle of a danger zone. Point taken, dear hubby.
A similar approach of caution should be taken in our faith life as we factor opposition into it. If you are anything like me, some days you may let down your guard. Akin to riding in an unlocked vehicle through what should be assumed enemy territory, we live with a false sense of security. We forget we have a foe who is out to destroy us. And while it is unlikely a physical lion will saunter up to you, rest assured there is an adversary on the prowl.
Too often, we are blindsided by Satan’s tactics. Destruction by distraction is one of his best weapons. While we are busy oohing and ahhing over the view, we forget the realness of danger staring us in the face just beyond that window.
The Bible tells us to live on high alert. To be constant in our watch over our soul because Satan roams like a lion. Seeking to devour vulnerable prey, he is continually on the prowl for unlocked vehicles to infiltrate.
A pro at psychological warfare, our foe wields weapons of depression, disease, pain, grief, self-doubt, bitterness, self-sufficiency, busyness, victimhood, and a myriad of other means to wreak havoc in our souls. He does not strike haphazardly but studies us to see the chinks in our armor, aiming at our weakest areas and barraging us with a host of penetrating arrows.
That is why Ephesians 6 encourages us to suit up with the complete outfit — arming ourselves with the power of God’s might. So that when the day of evil comes, we will be fully protected and able to stand our ground. We are to equip ourselves with truth and righteousness, prepared to combat with the Gospel of peace as we shield our salvation and stand ready with a faith that is immovable because we trust in a God who is unconquerable.
The best way to thwart an enemy is to be vigilant in our defense and strategic in our offensive maneuvers. To live as one wise to the devil’s ways, but also wise to the ways of God. And dependent upon biblical truth as we look to our heavenly Commander for battle plans.
Much like the folks driving through the safari park, we will be led into dangerous territory. Psalm 23 references the Lord as a Shepherd leading His beloved along quiet brooks and green pastures (sounds pleasantly appealing, doesn’t it?), but it also tells us He leads us through dark valleys (Umm, not so sure I like the sounds of that.) Places where the enemy lurks, searching out our vulnerabilities and scouring our behaviors for weakness. The only way to make it safely through these war zones is by sticking close to our Commander.
Traversing through enemy territory can be terrifying and exhausting, yet Father promises to prepare a table of respite in the very presence of our enemies.
In. The. Very. Presence.
Which must really rankle Satan. I simply love Father’s audacity.
Though I am surrounded by an enemy intent on my destruction, I am safe in God’s care. Free from all harm as I allow Him to soothe my soul and strengthen me for the journey. One where goodness and mercy have been promised to follow me every step of this life and usher me safely into eternity.
Whether through sunny meadows or valleys shadowed with death, His goodness will be my rear guard. No matter how fierce the battle may rage or how hopeless I sometimes am tempted to feel, I am not alone. Not one step is made without God’s presence faithfully near. He rises to show me compassion, gifting me with new mercies each morning as I rise to walk one more day in the light of His love and counsel.
Make no mistake about it, we reside in enemy territory. But we are not alone. And our security is much stronger than a flimsy car door, lock or no lock.
The God of the universe is our Champion.
So armor up, beloved. Keep your sword handy, and stick close to your Savior. Victory is guaranteed, but there are still battles to fight and a foe to confront daily.
Never forget that you are in the company of enemies, but greater still, you are in the company of the King of all kings. And He has already won the war.
Keep your doors locked and your eyes on Father, and when you’re worn out from the journey, allow yourself to pause with Him for a bit of R&R.
Even here, in the presence of your enemy.
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FOR REFLECTION
Do you ever feel like the passenger who was caught off-guard by a lioness opening her car door? Like your safe place has somehow been infiltrated by an enemy, leaving you in a panic?
Does the thought of being led by God through dark valleys and the shadow of death seem disappointing to you? How do you respond when this is where your journey takes you?
If you feel surrounded by an enemy and fear is your companion today, I encourage you to open up God’s Word and search for truth to combat the lies. Here are a few to get you started:
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
— 1 John 4:4
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
— Romans 8:31
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
— John 16:33
I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do so much more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
–Ephesians 3:16-21