Ambushed

On a beautiful day last week, I had occasion to enjoy an outdoor lunch with my wife, my daughter, and her husband, here in Canada on a visit from New Mexico, USA. We were eating at a restaurant on Granville Island, in Vancouver, British Columbia. In front of me, there was a plate of French fries, and in my right hand, I had a tasty piece of deep-fried cod — a favourite of mine! All of a sudden, there was a whack on the side of my head, and my lunch disappeared from my hand. The whack was from a well-placed wing, and the ambush was complete! The seagull and his gang of feathered felons were making short shrift of my meal on the deck — to the profound amusement of all the patrons around us. Others have related similar observations of these talented scavengers, but for me, it was a first, and so, there I sat … stunned.

As I reflected on this experience, I realized that that seagull was being used as one of the good Lord's vehicles to remind us that a spiritual ambush can be concocted by "the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." (Ephesians 2:2 ESV) Satan is always on the watch, ready to ambush a wayward soul facing temptation. Be aware! Always be on the lookout, if not for the shifty seagull, at least for the sly deceiver who seeks to tempt us into disobedience or to weaken and destroy our faith in our awesome God. Let's remember to put on our spiritual armour every day!

Ephesians 6:10-18a – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. (ESV)

Prayer; Lord, thank You for even the little lessons in life that You provide when we are watching and listening for Your awesome presence or reading the prompts from Your Word. Deliver us from the evil one, and protect all of us this day from his attacks, ambushes, and temptations. We ask this in Your awesome power through Your Son, Who gave His life that we may inherit eternal life. Amen.

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About the author:

Jim Leith <jimleith@yahoo.ca>
Langley, British Columbia, Canada
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