Be strong in Him!

This morning one of the things that came to mind was something that happened more than 15 years ago.  Our family had gone to Oklahoma for a weekend to visit David’s mom and dad.  While we were there I decided to go for a run.

 

I had lived on Grand Lake in the country in Oklahoma for several years as a kid and was used to the back roads to run or ride a bike on, but I had never gone for a run at David’s mom and dad’s house before.

 

Off I went on the parched, dusty, dirt roads.  Prayer is as much a part of my workout as the workout itself, so Jesus is nearly always first and foremost on my mind.

 

It was July in Oklahoma, prime time for picking blackberries, but also very hot and humid, so I only ran a couple of miles.  I ran as far as I was going to go and then turned around to head back to the house.  I got a few blocks from their driveway and, to my surprise, a big Rottweiler came charging out of a neighbors driveway.  I didn’t have time to think, but out of my mouth came, “Go home in the name of Jesus!!!”  I stopped because I didn’t want the dog to chase me.  After I had commanded it to go home, the dog stopped in its tracks.  Now, I don’t mind telling you that I was a bit fearful.  I’m not much of a fan of dogs in the first place, but especially not of big dogs with bad reputations that are foaming at the mouth and charging me.  Yep…I was a bit scared, but in all honesty, there was peace all around me.  I stood my ground with the dog, not taking my eyes off of it, and eventually it turned around and trotted off to its home.

 

This is a perfect example of how the enemy attacks us from time to time.  We can be clipping along and suddenly, out of nowhere he attacks.  We have to be vigilant to keep ourselves covered with the Blood of Jesus, keep the full armor on and be Christ centered.  Exodus 12:7-13,   Ephesians 6:11-18,  Hebrews 12:1-2   Never would I have believed that I would have been able to respond so quickly and appropriately to the dog.  Truly, I believe that it was Holy Spirit that spoke through me and guided my reaction to the threat.  Luke 12:12

 

Stay focused on Jesus my friends because the enemy goes about like a roaring lion searching for whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8   He may not devour just anyone.  He may only devour those who are not ready for the battle.

 

Be strong in Him!