Be Alert!

Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. - 1 Peter 5:8

It is a little nerve-wracking to drive in some (if not all) West African cities. First of all, the traffic laws seem to vary and second, no one seems to follow them anyway! Lanes are nonexistent, "where it dies is where it lies," and horns honk for what seems like no reason. Underneath every rearview mirror there should be a placard that reads, "Look out!" As a result, accidents happen and are difficult to avoid, but if a person remains watchful, they will emerge unscathed.

It is no different for the follower of Christ who seeks to deftly navigate life here on earth. The enemy desires to destroy and devour us. At times, our own hearts can deceive us and lead us down dangerous paths. Stuff happens. Situations arise that are beyond our control, but if we will just remain spiritually sober and alert, if we will just live with a healthy amount of "spiritual" caution, our testimony will remain untainted while our lives remain forfeit in His service.

God is interested in developing your character. At times He lets you proceed, but He will never let you go too far without discipline to bring you back. In your relationship with God, He may let you make a wrong decision. Then the Spirit of God causes you to recognize that it is not God's will. He guides you back to the right path. - Henry Blackaby