Chased By The Enemy
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8
My reading abruptly stopped as I heard my little Shih tzu, Kobee barking a strange bark from somewhere close outside the door. I never heard my husband’s voice calling him from their morning walk. I knew something wasn’t right, so I quickly ran outside to see what was going on. There on the top step was Kobee and two steps below was a strange, big, black dog. Kobee’s collar was not attached and my husband was no where in sight. After carefully getting Kobee through the gate and then safely inside, leaving the stranger on the step, I grabbed shoes to search for Ed. He suddenly came through the door panting heavier than the dog.
The story unfolded that as they were at the bottom of the cul de sac, this big black dog came from nowhere and Kobee took off running, leaving Ed with leash and collar in hand. Big dog chased little dog, while Ed called for Kobee to stop and took off running attempting to rescue our much loved pet. Ed lagged behind unable to catch up with the chase, but Kobee knew to go straight home and bark for Mama’s rescue.
The strange dog lingered on the step as Kobee stood safely inside barking and growling at the window. Many hours after the big dog was long gone, Kobee continued to step over to the window growling and barking. He didn’t quickly forget the morning taunt and chase, but stayed alert to the possibility of the return. It was as if he was saying, “I remember you and in case you don’t know, this is my home. Back off, you don’t belong here.”
I watch and learn, because often the enemy chases us in the same way: running at our heals, barking lies and leaving us paralyzed in fear. The chase will wear us down and can stop our abundant living if we are not sober and alert to his plot. We must know where to run; straight home into the Father's safety.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous runs into it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
Like Kobee, we need not quickly forget, but continue returning to the window and warning the enemy: “This is my house and you may not come in. You are not welcome here.”
How often do we allow the big, black dog to come right into our territory ruling and reigning over our lives, while we cower in the corner controlled by fear and lies?
Speak up!
You have a voice.
Your voice is full of God’s power to speak against the enemy.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Bark on big, black dog. My God reigns here!