"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!"
"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!"
Starr, isn't it amazing how we hear from the Spirit of God when we listen? I can picture y'all after crawling back in bed and turning the lights out. Still. Silent. Ears straining to listen for any sound.
ReplyDeleteWould that we were as alert to hear the whisper of the Spirit of God to our heart and mind every moment of every day.
During this holy week, I pray we all pause often to breathe the password...Jesus.
Last evening as we were celebrating the Lord's Supper. The words came to my heart "...and He did this willingly." My blog this coming week will explore that thought and what it means to me.
Thank you for this post and this reminder to be armed and ready for the attacks that are sure to come.
DiAne
He Is Risen...He Is Risen Indeed!
You are welcome, DiAne, and thank you for responding. I needed the reminder myself.
DeleteI will look forward to your blog post. Not only did Christ go to the cross willingly, but while we were yet his enemies. Too big to wrap my mind around. No greater love than this!
Easter Blessings to you and your family.
Starr