the chase

I was on the way to work Tuesday morning, early, trying to get more work done as usual. Our office has 2 sides of woods surrounding it. I saw on the sidewalk a small hound dog, like a beagle, with his nose to the ground (ie, he was huntin' somethin').... behind the dog, about 2 feet back, is what I believe to be a sleek gray cat. It's just a cute little picture... the dog hunting something intently, the cat seeming to be sneaking behind the dog, ready to get in on his action.... then, just as I pull it into the actual parking lot, the dog reaches the end of the sidewalk and takes a step onto the road... the cat makes a sharp turn to the left and then darts into the woods. It's at the turn that I realize, that is NOT a cat! What is it?? A silver fox!! Talk about a sly devil!! So, why am I blogging about a fox? Because this picture has been vivid in my mind for days and I've been trying to see what God is trying to tell me. Then tonight at Bible study, one of the girls says, "No matter where you go Satan's not too far behind." That was it, I knew what he was saying.

Even when we are our most "disciplined"... studying our Bible daily, seeking God, even when we feel like we are truly following God...the devil is right behind us... watching us,playing with us and maybe even laughing at us. When we're focused (nose to the ground) on something, it's easy to miss the things coming at us from behind. Peter says, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1Peter 5:8) How can we be alert to what's behind us? A couple of thoughts come to mind. You can employ fellowship. Friends born out of love can "have your back" so to speak. They can tell you, out of that love they share with you, what they see coming or an area where you may need to dodge. Other than that, you can pray, and I don't mean that as a side note. A pastor said one time, "Prayer is the work". No matter how hard you feel you are seeking God, don't forget to pray. It can be instrumental in knowing what may be sneaking up behind you, coming around the next corner or seeing an indication of the next boobie trap ahead.