Before I begin the focus of today’s post, I want to wish all of the amazing fathers, an especially Happy Father’s Day! Your children might call you Dad, Daddy, Father, Pops, Padre, or Papá. You might not have your own children but simply have the heart of a father. Maybe you fulfill your role through being a Big Brother, Uncle, or Grandpa. Thank you, particularly, for how you have supported your families over the past year. Thank you for being present—emotionally, physically, and in so many other ways—in spite of what you might have been (or are) going through yourselves! I know this year has been difficult, but many of you have hung in there and blessed your families; and you are stronger because of your experiences! Thank you for all that you do! You honor the Lord by the way you live and the example you set for your children and others within your circle of influence to model. You are hard-working, dedicated, loving, gracious, courageous, committed, and faithful! God bless you and reward you for your dedication and faithfulness. Your families (and our world) are blessed because of you!
Now, on to our article for today . . .
Recently, as I was sitting and reflecting for just a moment, I caught a glimpse of a cicada out of the corner of my eye. Now, I must apologize to all the cicada-lovers, but I think they are one of the grossest insects I’ve ever seen (please do not send me any hate mail because of this comment)! Not only do they remind us of their presence with the volume of their ‘noise’ during their mating season . . . and not only do we have to watch to ensure we that don’t step on them . . . they are just everywhere! But, back to the scene on the window!
I continued observing the cicada to see what it was going to do—how long it was going to hang around. It continued crawling up the window, making its way to wherever it was going. It kept going until it reached a place on the window frame where there was obviously some kind of a groove. It plodded against the frame, seemingly trying to get into the groove (I could hear it as it did this!). When it realized it was not going to be successful (i.e., there was no entry way), it flapped its wings and flew away! As it did this, one thought, and one thought alone, came to my mind: “Resist the enemy, and he will flee!”
These words are written in James 4:7 (NIV):
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will free from you.”
What a great reminder!!! How often do we get up each morning purposed to follow God’s prompting to resist? From the moment that we awaken (and we are consciously thinking), there lies the potential to be drawn away into a path that God has not designed for us. When we are abiding in Jesus Christ, allowing Him to lead us with each step along our journey, we are in a safe place—in Christ.
The enemy always uses the same tactics, yet we can still be blindsided when we take our eyes off the Lord. Peter had this particular experience. He was doing fine as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. The minute he stopped focusing on the Lord, he sank into the raging waters.
Just like the cicada tried to find away in and could not because the structure of the window did not permit it to enter, so too, we can resist the enemy (and stop him from gaining access to us). This requires that we be alert and focused, prayerful, and seeking each and every day to walk in the will, purposes, and plans of our Lord. Our faith in Jesus Christ is our shield.
No matter what people attempt to do to get you off track, the Lord is with you. No matter how great the temptation, the Lord has promised to give us a way of escape. Wherever you are, don’t allow people to thwart God’s plans for you. Honestly, they are powerless and can only do what God allows.
So be steadfast, unmovable, always abiding in the Word of the Lord. Don’t give up, and don’t quit!!! Your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Resist!
Until next time, my friend,
Selah . . .