“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
I awoke to the stench of smoke wafting through my bedroom windows.
It’s not unusual for the neighbors to have a bonfire that lasts well into the night, so I wasn’t too concerned initially.
I kicked off my blanket and sluggishly walked towards the stairwell, preparing to make my descent, when I noticed a thin layer of grey dust covering the banister.
Slightly perplexed, I continued down the stairs, unsure of what I might find.
Although there didn’t appear to be a reason for alarm, something felt off.
The morning sky was hazier than usual, and the moon looked sinister; adorned in colors of red and orange.
After a closer look, I realized that the same “grey dust” that covered the stairwell banister, coated the grass like a mantle. Ash.
It was ash!
I scrolled frantically through my phone. My newsfeed was crowded with posts from friends who spoke about a forest fire, set ablaze, in my hometown’s backyard.
Unreal!
I wasn’t worried about our safety, as the news reports assured us that firefighters were working diligently to gain control.
But what did trouble me was the lack of awareness on my part.
It was hard to comprehend how so much damage could transpire inside of a single night.
While we slept.
In the dark.
Unaware.
I was uneasy. And I wondered,
How many times had I slumbered, ignorantly unaware of danger lurking just around the bend? #dangerunaware #spiritualslumber Share on X
1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Peter warns that there is a very real enemy who wants nothing more than to devour God’s people; our lives, families, ministries, influence.
Like a fire that spreads in the quiet of night, leaving a path of destruction in its wake, the enemy likewise seeks to gain ground and wreak havoc.
We are urged not to let our guard down.
I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to become complacent in my walk with God.
I delay reading my bible, reasoning that I’ll get around to it later.
I get busy, preoccupied and distracted with the cares of the world, forgetting what truly matters.
My helping hands become weary, and my praying knees get lazy.
A spiritual slumber sets in.
And when my guard is down, the enemy pounces. #dangerunaware #keepguard Share on X
But this doesn’t have to be the case. When we remain faithful in our pursuit of God, we are given the upperhand.
We have resources readily available to help us combat the enemy’s tactics. (Ephesians 6:10-18 and 2 Corinthians 10:4)
As believers, we are not told to be afraid of the enemy’s schemes. But we are told to be awake, vigilant and aware.
I’m relieved that it only took the threat of a fire several miles from home, to remind me of this, and encourage me to remain alert in the face of impending danger.
How about YOU? Have you been surprised to find yourself in a “spiritual slumber?”
What did you do to awaken yourself?
*This article has been featured on Undeniably God Ministries*
Yes, complacency and apathy are two tools the enemy uses to pull us away from our God-given ministry. Staying aware and vigilant is vital to conquering over the enemy.
Thanks for reminding us how easy it is to let our guard down. Visiting from BHG.
Very true, Cindy. So glad you stopped by! 🙂
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Thankful for this reminder! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Thanks for visiting, Desiree!
Rachel, Oh my! A very effective word picture lesson you just shared!
Thank you for the reminder to be vigilant to stay rooted in Christ so that we do not succumb to the schemes of the devil.
Thanks for stopping by, Karen!
I have been praying for Alzheimer patients today. It may be a disease, but it’s also an enemy attack on the mind which part of our soul. If you can halt it or prevent it with prayer, I am all for it. It’s a horrible thing for the patient and their families. Worry, stress and fear are all sort of ashes, burned and dead things. We must be vigilant, not seeing the devil everywhere but realizing his tactics and what he knows works best on us, lack of sleep is one , too. But thankfully Jesus gives us beauty for ashes.
Wow, Rebecca! I’m so glad that your patients have a God-fearing woman like yourself, warring on their behalf! Yes, Alzheimers leaves behind a path of wreckage. But God is bigger still!
March On, warrior sister!!!
Thank you for the wake up call. It is easy when nothing is going on to rest a bit too long, forgetting we are in a battle. Yes, Jesus won it. But I must with His strength enforce it, while resting in Him. Such a seemingly opposing thought…but just like you noticing the fire without panic, I am stand my ground in peace.
Awesome, Sheri! Yes, our God has won the battle. He is victorious! There is no need for us to fear. We need only be aware and vigilant, and rest in His arms of grace.
Thanks for visiting today!
I think we as Christians have gotten so comfortable that Satan uses it as a great weapon. We aren’t a danger to him when we are complacent.
Thank you for as good word.
Hi Shiree! I completely agree with you. Complacency in and of itself, is the real danger. We must remain connected to the branch, continuing to grow in our love relationship with Jesus. Otherwise we become stale, and nonthreatening. Satan feeds on that.
Glad you stopped by! 🙂
Great post! I think I allow myself to slumber by ignoring my pet sins – anxiety and fear – when I should be vigilant to the Spirit’s convictions in these areas. Good reminder to stay alert and attuned to how God wants to shake me out of my spiritual lull.
Ah, those pet sins can be the most dangerous, can’t they? Sneaky little sins that creep up, and linger for far longer than they ought. I can relate. And I love the way you worded this- we should be vigilant not only to the enemy’s schemes, but also to the Spirit’s convictions! So good!
Thanks for stopping in today, Jenn! Always a pleasure. 🙂
Ohmygosh, chills. You’re a talented writer Rachel. The parallels you’ve drawn are powerful. Great work and may God continue to inspire your writing!
Thank you, Meg! This coming from YOU?? I LOVE the way you write. I was just telling my hubby a few nights ago, that I come across so many talented writers, I could simply sit down with my computer and read all day long. (If only life would allow)
Thanks for the encouraging words, friend. Made my day. 🙂
Great kick in the pants I needed! No more slumbering ??
You and me both! 😉
Great reminder to stay alert!
Thanks. 🙂
It is so easy to say not know God. He is such gentlemen he will wait. Little the child that finally goes away if put off long enough Jesus will bide his time while we slumber.
But thank goodness just like the child he will never leave.
my slumber has been so deep for years that I thought he left. But it was only me.
Good point, Tanya. Isn’t He so good! He never leaves. Never ever. He is so beautifully patient with us.
Glad you are beginning to awaken, Tanya! Praying you find comfort in His arms of grace. 🙂
Is God not amazing how He will bring a hint of a situation into our lives just to get our thinking back on track? This is a pretty convicting post and a good reminder that this world is not our home. We have got to stop being so laid back and comfortable with it. Thank you for sharing your heart!
Thanks for the encouragement Summer! I appreciate you stopping by. 🙂
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