A Not-So-False Alarm



"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy."

―John 10:10, NIV

 

My husband and I simultaneously rocketed from flat on our backs with combined one-half twists and landed on our feet (minus the front somersaults, thank God) like two synchronized gymnasts.

 

"Burglary! Burglary! You have violated a protected area! Leave the premises immediately!"

 

As our security system's 120-decibel scream split the tranquil night air, my eyes darted toward the clock: 1:48 a.m.―uh . . . far too early for visitors. My husband snatched his gun from its resting place and tried to shake off his grogginess. Bleary-eyed, I flipped on the outside flood lights and peered into the night's shadowy stillness. Our security system indicated the garage motion detector. My husband checked it out as I answered the 911 dispatcher's routine call.

"What's your password?"

I answered.

"Do you need assistance?"

"Not sure."

Shortly, my husband returned from the garage and shrugged. Nothing.

"It's a false alarm," I told the dispatcher. "Thank you. All seems fine."

Thirty minutes later, my husband and I lay in bed wide-eyed and still staring at the ceiling, adrenaline pumping. It would be so unlike my God not to take advantage of this opportunity to speak. Consequently, he did―of a not-so-false alarm: Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He only comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

Spiritually, the thief will come . . . and he never drops in for a casual chat.  Satan's unwelcome visits always have a hidden agenda: to annihilate the children of God. Are we armed and ready for his covert entry? Do we set our alarms before we fall asleep?

The Holy Spirit has armed believers with weapons for spiritual warfare. But, like those who fall asleep, we often neglect to employ them. Subsequently, when our borders are violated there is no alarm to demand the intruder leave the premises. So he lingers. He rummages through the hidden crevices of our hearts and minds. He plants destructive doubt and fear. He steals all that is valuable. All may seem well on the exterior, but within . . . the thief secretly robs us of our comfort, hope, and peace.

Keeping our spiritual security system set ensures when the enemy attempts to break in, our alarms will sound, the dispatcher will call, and when asked our password, we will confidently reply: "Jesus!" 



Unshakeable



"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

―Matthew 7:24-26, NIV

Recently, headline news broadcast devastating accounts of a Florida sinkhole that swallowed the bedroom of a man who lay sleeping in his bed. The horror of peering into a gaping hole stretching dozens of feet into the earth knowing your loved one was its unsuspecting victim is incomprehensible to me.

Later, a couple of miles away, another sinkhole opened up. This time it caused no injury or damage, but certainly it struck fear in the hearts of town residents who began to question the solidity of the ground beneath their feet.

On average, there are five hundred thousand detectable earthquakes in the world each year. California experiences ten thousand of those tremors. As a North Carolina resident, I never question the stability of the ground upon which I walk. I take each step for granted, while those living in California, who find tremors commonplace, are lulled into a false sense of security.

Earth-shattering events sweep into our lives unannounced. As the rains pound and the winds of adversity blow, our foundations are put to the test. I many not experience the movement of the earth beneath my feet, but I do know what it is like for the bottom to drop out of my world. I suspect you do too.

I have known loneliness after the death of a loved one, sorrow in the loss of a child through miscarriage, the emotional ups and downs that come with the birth of a special-needs child, heartache over one in rebellion, helplessness in the failure of a business, fear in the face of illness . . . and adversity rages on. However, in the midst of these life altering events, I have experienced the indescribable peace and hope of God.

God's Word reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, its builder labors in vain. As painful and unforeseen events close in, set the foundation of your life upon the solid Rock of Christ and God's Word. Know and obey it. Allow its healing balm to seep deep into the crevices of your heart and mind. Experience God's stillness.

Setting the plumb line of our soul in alignment with the wisdom of God is key to ensuring our foundation holds strong and secure in the face of crises. There is only one unshakeable foundation upon which to stand―Jesus Christ.

Sidestepping Death

 

"But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was;

and when he saw him, he took pity on him."

―Luke 10:33, NIV

 

"Have a nice day!" the woman in front of me said to the cashier as she made her way toward the door. Reaching for my wallet, I stepped up to the cash register to pay―then heard an ominous thud.

 

Moments earlier, the vibrant woman had imparted words of cheer. Now she lay motionless. Several employees rushed to her side while the visibly shaken cashier proceeded to ring up my purchase. Then, grocery bag in hand, I stepped around the commotion and walked to my car.

 

I felt horrible leaving the scene. It didn't seem right to step around scattered groceries and a dear soul's listless body so that I could move on with my day. I was morbidly struck by the ease with which my life carried on while it came to a screeching halt for another. Shouldn't I do something?

 

That day's dilemma may appear uncommon, but we step around those who are dying every day―seldom batting an eye or raising an eyebrow, much less sensing deep remorse or stopping to help those in distress. Our problem, in general, is not that we deliberately cross the road to avoid the man in the ditch. Our problem is, we never see him lying there.We engage in conversations with people continents away, while we fail to make eye contact with the person directly in front of us. The widespread malady of sin infiltrates our culture, and with stealth like accuracy snuffs out thousands of lives on a daily basis. It's a shadowy, silent killer. Am I a silent witness―or am I a witness at all?

 

The Samaritan man stopped to help his Jewish neighbor in distress. Racial barriers were no contest for his sweeping heart of mercy. He disinfected and bandaged the man's wounds, brought him to an inn, footed the bill, and took care of him. He spared no expense and was willing to give of his time and resources so a stranger's life could be restored.

 

Our day-to-day encounters with those who are hurting call for measures far less extreme, and yet we often fail to be the hands and feet of Christ. We underestimate the impact a random act of kindness, hearfelt greeting or friendly smile may have on someone's day. The parable of the Good Samaritan reveals the heart of Christ for those who are wounded, lost and dying. I must ask: What does it reveal about mine? Do I choose to sidestep death, or do I step into the gap to restore another's life?

 

The Samaritan chose wisely. The Master's words exhort us to "Go and do the same."