When the Snake Is Real
Dailey's Weekly
It’s not every day someone yells, “Snake!” in the church fellowship hall. But there we were.
“I thought it was a rubber snake, I went to grab it, and it moved!” a lady screeched, backing away.
When I looked up, a crowd was already gathering to peer into her Rubbermaid tub on the table. I joined them. Sure enough, a black snake wriggled amidst toys and collectibles.
“Good thing no one made a purchase from this bin,” someone said.
I gulped.
Though our church rummage sale had ended the day before, the fellowship hall remained cluttered with unpurchased items. I was part of the volunteer crew sorting items to be donated or trashed (er, set free, in this case).
We had a good laugh over our little friend, speculating if he was a stowaway from someone’s garage or the casualty of open doors and heavy foot traffic during the sale. Either way, he went back where he belonged—out of doors—and as our nervous giggles subsided, the whole thing got me thinking (as these things often do)...
Wouldn’t you agree, the worst snake encounters are the unexpected ones? Sure, I can tolerate a snake in an enclosed aquarium at the zoo. I can even stomach a snake someone holds throughout an educational presentation, provided I know the critter’s location. No surprises.
It’s a different story when I nearly step on a camouflaged snake in the grass, discover one curled up in the skimmer of the swimming pool, or find one under our car in the garage. Eww. Insert: heeby-jeeby dance.
The greatest danger lies within the snakes we can’t see, in unexpected places. Or maybe we falsely assume a real snake for a toy. Not a big deal. Until it is.
Have you ever been surprised by a snake in an unexpected place?
The devil, the ultimate snake, loves to hide in corners we least expect. When we can see him clearly, in dark and sinful places, we’re armed. Ready. We know where he stands and where we stand. It’s easier to fight back.
But what happens when Satan shows up as betrayal from someone we love dearly? Maybe a fellow church member leaves a scar that takes years to heal. Or that coworker or employee we trusted takes advantage of us.
The situation seemed harmless enough. Our guards were down. And boom. Satan reared his ugly head to strike.
To view the full video discussion of this week’s topic, click here.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 warns us about this very thing. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.”
We shouldn’t be shocked at the sneak attacks, the surprise betrayals, or the ambushes in the light of day. Satan will use any advantage at his disposal. He’s the father of lies (John 8:44), he’s crafty (Genesis 3:1), and he’s called the accuser (Revelation 12:10).
Talk about a snake in the grass.
So how do we fight back? What’s the battle plan when the devil uses unexpected places or people to hurt us? When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), He fought back by quoting Scripture. In verse 10, specifically, “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.’”
Bible study and memorizing Scripture are great ways to fight Satan. “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You,” (Psalm 119:11).
In Ephesians 6, Paul admonishes his fellow believers to put on the full armor of God (i.e. your snake boots) before heading out to fight the serpent. Verse 11 says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
And Jesus also recommended His disciples pray through their times of temptation. Prayer strengthens our spiritual resolve. “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak,” (Matthew 26:41).
If there’s a snake lurking in your path (or your thoughts) today, try these methods. Study and quote scripture. Arm yourself. Pray. I will never be a snake handler, but God equips me to handle the biggest snake of this life on a daily basis. Thank you, God, for providing a way of escape (I Corinthians 10:13).
Verse of the Day:
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him,” (James 1:12).
Quote of the Day:
“Sometimes God has to cut the grass down in your life, so you can see the snakes.”
-Anonymous
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