I was pretty sure I had enough time. If I was quick I could take the dogs on a much-needed walk. The rain clouds were gathering in the sky as if they were attending an important meeting. I grabbed the leashes and headed out the door.
Wet weather had prevented walks earlier in the week, so both dogs were enthusiastic; their tails wagging furiously. I scanned the sky again as the humidity surrounded me. Hopefully the rain would hold off.
Half a mile from the house, the clouds had reached a consensus: time to drench the lady and her dogs. Without an umbrella, the rain had no trouble soaking us. I had to laugh. We must have looked hilarious jogging the half mile back home.
If I had taken my umbrella, I could have avoided looking like I had showered in my clothes. The protection offered by just four feet of waterproof fabric would have kept me dry and comfortable. Lesson learned.
A parallel
God’s Word is a lot like my umbrella: it offers protection in all kinds of situations (click to tweet). When I’m open to the truths I read and apply them in my life, I can avoid disastrous consequences.
If I choose to act on the command to love God and give Him top priority in my life, then I’ll be able to resist the temptation to do things my way. By yielding to His authority, He protects me from things that would get me into trouble:
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John 2:15-16
Leaving protection behind
When I ignore God’s instructions and follow my own logic, it’s just like leaving my umbrella at home. I come out from under God’s protective hand – exposing myself as a target for the enemy.
Don’t be fooled into thinking the enemy doesn’t notice you. He has a game plan and it’s not pretty:
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8
A choice
Every day I have the opportunity to choose: will I pick up the umbrella of God’s Word, apply it to my life and enjoy its protection? Or will I ignore His Word, do what I think is best and end up an easy target for the enemy?
I’ll opt for God’s protection.
Your turn
What is God showing you today? What step will you take to stay under His protective hand?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the simple examples in life that teach profound truths. Thank You for the protection found in obeying Your Word. Forgive me when I trust my own wisdom. Help me stay under the safety of Your umbrella and avoid becoming an easy target for the enemy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
