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Have you ever considered what you would do if you were attacked by an anaconda? An anaconda is pound for pound the largest snake in the world and has been known to be dangerous to humans. Living in the jungles of South America, the anaconda is a fierce adversary to its prey. I recently came across a manual for Peace Corp volunteers headed for South America that offers advice on how to handle a chance encounter with an anaconda. This is the list of instructions under the heading "What to Do If Attacked by an Anaconda":
1. If you're attacked by an anaconda, do not run; the snake is faster than you are.
2. Lie flat on the ground.
3. Put your arms tight at your sides and your legs tight against one another.
4. The snake will begin to climb over your body.
5. Do not panic.
6. The snake will begin to swallow you from the feet end.
7. Step 6 will take a long time.
8. After a while, slowly and with as little movement as possible, reach down, take your knife, and very gently slide it into the snake's mouth. Then suddenly sever the snake's head.
9. Be sure your knife is sharp.
10. Be sure you have your knife.
While this pamphlet is purely fictional and rather humorous, it does help emphasize the importance of preparation for those foes which can bring great harm. The Bible is replete with information regarding the existence and activity of a real foe to all followers of Jesus Christ. Referred to in several ways throughout the Scriptures, Peter compares the Devil to “a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). In another place, Paul describes him as disguising himself as “an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). So, the writers of Scripture are clear that Satan is both ferocious, yet deceptive in his attacks against God’s people. How can we daily be prepared for such an insidious villain who is bent upon the destruction of God and His people? In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul provides a plan of action for spiritual warfare.
1. Be aware of the enemy.
Paul tells us to “keep alert with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18). The good soldier must never make the mistake of underestimating the enemy. Such an error could be deadly. In the same manner, we must be aware of “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
2. Do not fear the enemy.
Paul also tells us that we will “be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13). Satan is a defeated foe whose days are numbered. Christ defeated him at the cross and Christ’s followers need not be afraid.
3. Lean in to the Savior.
Finally, Paul instructs us to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). We do this by daily equipping ourselves with Bible study and prayer, “the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13). As we regularly fellowship with other believers in the church, we find encouragement and accountability toward living in full obedience. We do not have to fall prey to the attacks of our enemy.
Living Prepared,
Jason