Last week I knew that Sunday I was going to begin the “Shout” part of the “Seek & Shout” series we’ve been in for the last few months. The “Seek” part was rather uneventful, as it centered around seeking “More of God.” In other words, learning to pursue and experience that abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10: “I have come that they might have life and that more abundantly.” (Well. uneventful except for that one lesson on counting it all joy when you fall into various trials.)
I knew going into the week that the “Shout” part wasn’t going to be as easy since it centered on the battle we have with the enemy of our soul whose sole desire is “only to steal, kill and destroy” the life we have in God, especially that abundant life.
I also knew that “to give it you have to live it.” So, I was on my guard on Monday, expecting an attack. None come. Then Tuesday, still nothing. Wednesday passed without event, and so did Thursday. By Thursday night I had let my guard down. I failed to heed Peter’s warning to “be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” [1 Peter 5:8]
I didn’t stay alert, nor vigilant. I let my guard down and the enemy blindsided my emotions and attitudes, bringing up old hurts that I thought were healed. Friday and Saturday he rode roughshod over me until I finally realized late Saturday evening what was happening. Boy, did I feel dumb. Even though I knew to be prepared, even though I’d been through it before, I still failed to be alert.
Oh beloved, we can’t ever let our guard down when it comes to the enemy’s attempts to steal, kill and destroy. We can’t allow Him to infiltrate our thoughts and attitudes, our emotions and desires. We must remain ever vigilant and alert!
