SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
/“Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.”
(1 Peter 5:8 CEV)
My friends and I were leaving a restaurant recently. As I stepped out of the upper level I became aware of some commotion right below me. It came from the landing positioned between levels, with three steps going down to the parking lot.
My eyes zoned in on a grandmother yanking her grandson out of the path of customers who were leaving the restaurant and trying to step by the boy to get to ground level.
She was shouting. . .
“Situational Awareness! Situational Awareness!”
It seemed a bit of an over-kill to me. The little guy looked to be 6 or 7 and meekly said, “I’m sorry” to the couple trying to walk around him.
The grandmother continued her scolding, reproving him for not paying attention nor being careful about the things surrounding him.
"You should ALWAYS be aware of the situation happening around you!"
Later on as I continued to replay that scene over and over in my mind, it became very clear that what happened right before my eyes – was a HUGE spiritual lesson. It seemed to be a modern day parable with Jesus reminding me about how the enemy’s influence is growing bigger these days.
As I continued to “hear” the phrase Situational Awareness, I considered the commands in Scripture reminding us to keep alert, aware, and focused on our surroundings – always being on guard for the tricks and deception of the devil. He’s active in every relationship and every circumstance – just waiting to pounce and attack.
I considered that the most effective way to stay alert to the devil’s presence and trickery, is to STAY AWARE OF GOD!
With an active awareness of God and His Word, we won’t so easily be swayed by the lies of the enemy.
The devil whispers, You’re not worthy of God’s love. There’s no reason to hope. Nothing you do matters.
The Lord says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness”. (Jeremiah 31:3)
The devil whispers,” Life is too hard. You might as well give up. You are all alone in your fight to succeed and accomplish your goals.”
The Lord says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
The devil whispers, “You’ll always be stressed out, there’s just too much to deal with.”
The Lord says, “Don’t worry about anything. Pray about everything. Talk to God about what you need. And thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace which exceeds anything you can understand.” (Philippians 4:6,7)
What happened to me that day was a great reminder. The enemy is at work in this world, and in each life personally.
If you are a Jesus follower, he cannot touch your salvation but he can harass your life until you are in the presence of Jesus. That’s why we are told time and again in scripture to be on guard and aware of our surroundings.
Satan will cause you to think things that are not true and if you believe his lies, he will keep walking you down that road of deceit.
IT’S TIME TO TAKE ACTION!
”Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT)
”Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 CSB)
”But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Focus on God. Focus on His Word. Stand strong in the protection of Jesus. There’s no need to fear the devil. Just be aware of what he says to you and how he is trying to influence your thinking. You can’t fight an enemy you don’t see coming.
Rebuke him by quoting – and sometimes, SHOUTING – scripture.
I’m thankful for that experience. It reminded me that MY GOD is always in control, but He wants ME to pay attention and experience His mighty power coming against Satan and bringing me to victory.
Before I left I saw that grandmother and grandson. I thanked her for teaching me a new concept. She was still a bit chagrinned about the behavior of her grandson, commenting . . . “He didn’t even say he was sorry.”
And I replied to her, “Oh but he did. I heard him.”
The smile on that little fella’s face made my day!
Dear Jesus, thank You for Your continual lessons to me. Help me to pay attention, be alert, and to lean on You to fight for me. Greater are You in me, than the devil who is in the world! I love You. Amen.
Cindi
www.frazzledfemale.com/blog
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