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

We sat by the warm glow of the campfire, surrounded by the cold darkness. My husband and I had decided to take a couple of days in mid-November to do some camping at the state park. Other than the shadows created by the fire and the dark outline of our tent and trees, the black of night draped itself around us like a long, hooded cloak. Though the campground was practically deserted, I felt safe, relaxed, and warm. We had come prepared or so we thought.

Our German Shepherd, Kelly, had been resting contentedly on her bed next to me when she suddenly began growling softly. I listened and heard what sounded like something or someone coming up from below the ridge where we had set up camp. Struggling to see into complete darkness, I quickly grabbed Kelly’s collar, noticing her heightened state of alert.

Whispering, I said to my husband, “Get the flashlight.” The steps were closing in on us and thinking his response was not quick enough, I repeated a little louder, “Get the flashlight!” At that moment a silhouette appeared just above the ridge. “GET THE FLASHLIGHT!” I screamed, just as the animal began to charge at us. The beam from the flashlight broke the darkness and quickly paralyzed our intruder, stopping it in its tracks not six feet from where Kelly and I sat.

Have you ever been so focused on something that you become unaware of what is going on around you? Blinded by circumstances, sickness, addiction, or loss, you can quickly be overcome by intruders like fear, despair, and sorrow. Even finding yourself in situations of comfort, blessing, and success can blind you to the fact that something lurks outside your unprotected boundaries; pride, apathy, or greed.

Satan is a master of disguise and gets along quite well in places where we can not see. We won’t give him credit though, because once his schemes are brought to light he is paralyzed and fails miserably. Exposing his tactics requires alertness. Resisting his attempts of deception requires self-control. All the light we need is in the name of Jesus.

Have you checked your boundaries lately?

Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years.
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