It was a sneak attack. I should have been prepared. I should have used more caution. But the day was hot and the ditch in my front yard was too wet to mow, so it was time to use the weed whacker. The grass and weeds in the ditch and around our woods hadn’t been cut this year yet, and I spent about 45 minutes getting the job done. Things looked pretty good too — for a day or so.
Did I mention that day was HOT? So, foolishly, I weed-whacked while wearing shorts… and that was my big mistake. I sure should have known better… and two days later my legs below the knees were covered in Poison Ivy. Poison Ivy comes after me like a bear after honey. I am a Poison Ivy magnet. Yeah… I should have known better… but I was foolish.
O how Solomon nailed it… “Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.” Proverbs 13:16 I’m not bragging, but I sure didn’t think wisely that morning; and for the last two weeks I have been paying the price.
My recent Poison Ivy experience has reminded me that if I am not careful I can be vulnerable to spiritual sneak attacks too. Peter warned us… “Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.” 1 Peter 5:8 CEV The irritation of Poison Ivy is no fun, but the destruction that sin can cause in our lives is much more significant.
It is so important for us to be wise and alert for the attacks of our Enemy, because he is more than capable of sneak attacks that can catch us unprepared. We stay prepared by knowing and applying God’s word to our lives… by spending time in prayer, and by surrounding ourselves in Christian community to encourage us in our faith and help us with accountability. And do you know how you avoid Poison Ivy? Wear pants when you weed-whack.
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