Ecclesiastes 9:12
“No man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.”
Have you ever been trapped? There is one incident that stands out in my mind. It was a moment of utter terror that still makes me shudder when I think about it.
It was back in 1967 when I was with the US Air Force, stationed at Whiteman AFB in Missouri. I was also working on my Masters degree at Central Missouri State University. Joyce was also working for the Vice-President.
We were on our way back to the base and nearing the home of one of the members of the church we were attending. I noticed a friend of ours, Captain Terry Pullen, waving his hand frantically. He was having car trouble and had stopped there for assistance. I pulled in the driveway and got out of the car. (It was not a wise thing to do!)
Immediately as I closed my door a huge German Shepherd roared around the front of the car with teeth bared and snarling. It was clear that he meant business! When the dog came after me, Terry jumped in the back seat on the passenger side. (The coward!) He even had the audacity to roll down the window and tell me to be careful because the dog was vicious. (I was so glad that he told me. I never would have known!)
I am not sure how I managed to get the door open and back inside the safety of the car without being eaten alive, but I finally made it!
That incident reminds me that we can easily fall into the trap of the enemy of our souls. Satan knows how to put various kinds of lures along our pathway to heaven. We may have the best of intentions, and one little detour shouldn’t hurt—but it does!
The Apostle Peter knew what it was like to be ensnared by words and actions that resulted in his failing his Master, Jesus Christ. I love the words he writes in 1 Peter 5:8-9: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
Peter describes an accurate picture of the devil prowling around looking for prey. Do you notice that he gives specific steps of action when being faced with the traps of the enemy? Let me list them for you:
1. “Be self-controlled and alert.”
2. “Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”
3. “Know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
There we have it! This is a very simple plan to steer clear of the devil’s traps. Can I share something with you? The plan is much easier than the implementation. Read number three again. We are not alone! I want you to know that I pray each day that I send these messages out that it will keep you from falling. I will be here for you.
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil