Watch and Pray

1 Peter 5:8 (The Message)

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. 

This past weekend I attended a Women’s Conference at Desert Springs Church.  The speaker was Marilyn Skinner who has been a missionary in Uganda for 31 years.  She challenged me to the core. 

I could expound on so many things she shared.  Maybe as days go on I will.  Each sentence I wrote down is pregnant with meaning and there is so much to mull over. 

One thing she said is, “The greatest enemy to faith is BLESSING.”

I used to tell my kids when they were small, the biggest trial they would ever face would be prosperity.  It is in times of abundance that we often become self-sufficient and get too busy for God.    

How many of you are so challenged doing “life” that it’s difficult to spend time with the one who gave you life?

Marilyn said it is a dangerous place to live in comfort.    I agree with that statement.  I don’t think she meant we shouldn’t have inviting homes where we can relax and refresh ourselves.   My home is a haven, a place of protection, a place we can nurture each other and seek God. 

The verse, “Watch and pray” (Mark 14:38) didn’t mean anything to me until Satan invaded our home so subtly I didn’t even realize it was happening – until it was too late.  He had a big foothold for a while.   You better believe afterwards, I learned how to watch and pray. 

Every day (well, almost) I ask the Lord to reveal to me anything that would keep me from hearing His voice – to show me anything I need to repent of and to give me the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:6).  I ask Him what is on His heart and what or who to pray for.  I ask the Lord to tell me of things to come (John 16:13) and to show me where to be on guard and alert (1 Peter 5:8).  

Don't be like I was.  I learned the hard way and endured some tough years as a result.  Stay on guard and alert so you will be prepared for all that comes your way.