True Hope and a Future

As I was walking down the stairs into the living room the other day, a movement in the front yard caught my eye. There was our young cat, Houdini, looking in my direction with her jaws wrapped around a chipmunk. We probably stared at each other for a full minute. I’m not sure why she was looking at me, but I was watching her to see what she’d do next.

The chipmunk was doing a good job of playing possum, hanging lifeless from Houdini’s mouth, but I knew Houdini’s jaw would soon tire and the chipmunk would get its chance at freedom. Sure enough, as soon as the vice-like grip loosened, the chipmunk sprang to life and made a break for it. Of course, being held in a cat’s mouth is not without effect, and the chipmunk’s attempt at running was feeble at best.

Houdini watched as the chipmunk made his escape. I imagine the critter was just thinking he’d made it to freedom when WHAM! Houdini pounced again, only to once again let it go and then WHAM! Another pounce.

I’ve often watched Houdini prowling around the yard and wondered if she thought herself to be a lion stalking her prey in the Serengeti. Watching this scenario made me think of another enemy stalking his prey. Paul compares satan to a lion in 1 Peter 5:8 where he says,

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Satan is just like Houdini in that he toys with us. He lets us get just far enough to think we’ve escaped, only to pounce again. Have you ever felt pounced on by life? I know I have.

As I watched this play out, I realized that the chipmunk doesn’t stand a chance unless someone greater than Houdini intervenes. If Daisy came out barking to distract her or if I came out and attempted to chase her down, the chipmunk would truly have an opportunity at freedom. Without intervention, there's not much hope for the chipmunk.

We’re in the same boat when satan is interfering in our lives. Without someone greater than satan to intervene on our behalf, we don’t stand a chance. Thankfully, as believers in Christ, we have someone greater who intercedes for us – God Himself. Scripture tells us:

“the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Lord I praise you for your omnipotence; that you are all powerful and can conquer any foe. Forgive me for those times I’ve tried to handle things myself rather than submit to you. Help me to recognize the enemy and come immediately to you for help, and thank you for your love for me and your willingness to intervene on my behalf. Caught in Your net, Lisa