“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

Intruder Alert

A parable

There I was, minding my own business, puttering about my house, when I realized there were intruders in my face. They must have come in the back door, which I possibly had left unlocked. I did not hear their footsteps outside, nor did I hear the door open, but there they were, sneering, ready to smother me. I startled a bit. My mind raced—what could I, what should I, do?

The intruders were fear and anxiety. They began to throw things around my house, rearranging furniture, tossing valuables to the ground, attempting to steal the silver. Where, oh where, had I put my weapons? My breastplate of righteousness—where had I last seen it? The helmet of salvation—where had I laid it down? Wait—the sword of the Spirit was always with me. I pulled it out of its sheath, but found I did not have the strength to lift it. Fear clawed at me. Anxiety twirled me around until I was dizzy.

But then…oh, the sweet “thens” of life! But then the sword lifted itself and chased fear and anxiety back outside. I ran to lock the door against further invasion.

***

While I was praying, at peace, thanking God, worshiping, the enemy came to my thoughts. He brought digression and depression, interrupting my words of trust and faith. He hurt my feelings by rehearsing past failures, making me afraid of the future. My countenance was downed like a power line in a storm. He reminded me of a painful situation I was going to face later in the day. He interjected worse-case scenarios until I could no longer see a good God.

I did not invite the enemy—not on purpose, anyway. As always, he just barged in, and there he was, looming large, interrupting, making a lot of noise, making a big mess of things. But I refused to budge. Let him rant—somewhere else. Not in my head. Not in my heart. Not in my prayers. He knows I hide under the shadow of the Almighty. He knows this temple is protected by a warning system. He knows I am hearing the alarms. He knows I have a great big sword, the Word of God.

He also knows my flesh is weak. But perhaps he doesn’t know my spirit is willing. I called out to my Protector, and He came before the words left my mouth: “Intruder alert! Come and protect what is Yours!”

“I am here.” And that’s all—He is here. With a breath, the enemy of my soul was gone. Poof. For all the enemy’s bluster and noise, it took only an exhale of the Spirit to send him away. The big, bad wolf hadn’t the least effect on the end of the story.

Father, make us aware of what is happening in and around us. We pray the enemy does not take us unawares, but that we are watching and praying at all times. We thank You for protecting us and keeping us. Amen.