I have a screen saver on my computer that shows a lake with wildflowers and trees. This setting was the lake behind our house for fifteen years. It was wonderful to hear the loons calling every day through six summers. I used to watch the mother swim with the babies on her back through our rear bedroom windows.

We watched loons lay eggs, set, and raise young for six summers. I knew that the female had to watch for raccoons, snakes, and foxes while she was setting on her nest. I also knew that I could not be of much help.

The lake was to the west, so the sunsets were stunning. It was great in the fall to hear the loon family head south, knowing that the parents were guiding their young. Many times, I thanked God for His creation.

The year came when I saw the young ones on the back of their mother for possibly four days; then, they disappeared. This happened over the next three years. Snapping turtles had moved into the lake, and a young loon made a good meal. After trying for four summers, the loons stopped coming to the lake behind our house.

Every living creature has enemies that want to destroy it. Man has the worst enemy of all. Scripture calls him Satan or the devil.

1 Peter 5:8 – Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV)

Luke 22:32 – But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. (NIV)

Christ knows what is attacking me today and taking away the joy of salvation from my life. He knows the perils that I face, which can destroy my faith if I am not alert to the danger.

As Christ told Simon, "I have prayed for you", He also tells us that He is interceding for you and me today.

Romans 8:34 – Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (NIV)

Sometimes, we may just need an encouraging word from another believer, or we may give an encouraging word to a fellow believer. We need to be reading and meditating on God's Word so that when Satan tempts us to stray from walking with the Lord, we can resist him. To the evil one, we can say as Christ said, "It is written!"

Prayer: Dear God, keep us mindful of the one who can take away the joy of Your salvation in our lives and cause our faith to fail. We thank You for a Saviour Who intercedes for us and forgives our sins because of Your love and grace. Thank You for Calvary. Amen.

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About the author:

Ruth Rowe <ruthjohn.rowe@gmail.com>
Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada
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