A Battle Against . . .

God never disappoints with variety and impact when He teaches me as I prepare to lead a class. One time it may be through emotional upheaval while another lesson might bring a physical challenge. This week, it’s been a battle against pests!

It started with ants in my kitchen. Every morning I wander out to see if my latest attempt at pest control has worked. My strategy centers on the ants taking sweet, sticky poison back to their nest. As long as the ant goo is the tastiest thing on my counter, it works.

BUT …. If someone leaves a sticky ice cream spoon in the sink …

or a tiny chunk of watermelon slips under the cutting board …

my whole strategy is blown for the day. It takes persistence!

Just when the tide had turned on the influx of ants, I noticed a crop of tiny grasshoppers chewing their way across my landscape. Small critters can shred succulents in no time.

So, armed with 10 gallons of bugs-B-dead, I soaked flora and fauna in a 5 foot radius of home and hearth. It takes power!

Feeling a surge of force after taking back control of my habitat from unwanted creepers, I decided to celebrate with a power walk around our farm pond. It was a muggy morning with just enough breeze to keep the bugs at bay.

Then, as if under orders from a lord of the flies, pond pests swarmed my arms and legs. The stinging and biting has since been eclipsed by lingering welts, bruises and an uncontrollable itch. It takes patience!

While this pesky battle isn’t life threatening or really even that unusual, it has shown me some key ways to fight this spiritual battle as well.

While I’ve cleaned and wiped away ants (Every. Day.) I’m reminded how persistent for Truth we need to be.

• One sticky word and pesky gossip is right there to take hold of a conversation.
• One careless act and the swarm of shame is all over my thought life.

When I’ve taken on a tiny plague in my yard, I’m reminded to go with what works. Truth works!

• Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 1:6
• Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:17

As I slather on balms to keep the stinging at bay, I’m reminded the Enemy is prowling around, waiting to grab hold of some unguarded part of my life. Staying alert in the battle is an act of patience and listening to the Holy Spirit.

For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

I Thessalonians 5:5-6

How about you? How might God be teaching you more about the Armor of God through your everyday experiences?