A COYOTE EXPERIENCE
This morning I saw a coyote at the top of our driveway. Our puppy was watching it, but made no effort to bark or even growl, so I went outside to try to encourage him to be more defensive against coyotes. I began to yell at the coyote, but the coyote just stood there looking at me. My dog, though, was very frightened by my yells and retreated to his safe place under the porch. Finally, the coyote turned around and walked away, probably just because my yelling was annoying but definitely not because he was afraid.
This situation reminded me of another encounter with a coyote several years ago. I was checking our cows during calving season, using the 4-wheeler. When I came over a hill, I looked down and saw a coyote boldly walking through the cow herd, as if he were out on a Sunday stroll. The cows didn’t show any worry or fear; they seemed to accept the presence of the coyote with no issues. However, as I began to get closer to the herd, the cows showed considerable alarm and annoyance at my presence. Those who had given birth quickly began to bawl and ran to find their calves.
As believers in Christ, I think we act like these cows sometimes. We tolerate and accept danger, and instead of being grateful for the oversight and protection that God provides for us, we get agitated by it.
Throughout the Bible, we are warned to realize the danger of “predators” that attempt to take away from our faith and obedience to God. In Song of Solomon 2, there is an admonition to catch “the little foxes that spoil the vineyards.” Jesus warned his followers, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). Paul also spoke of “fierce wolves” and warned church leaders, “pay careful attention to yourselves and all the flock” and “be alert” (Acts 20). In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul expressed frustration about how the church easily accepted false teachers because he feared that believers would “be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” In 1 Peter 5, Peter warns us that our enemy is like another predator, a roaring lion, “seeking whom he may devour.”
We must learn to be aware of danger in our own lives and the lives of other believers. We must not become comfortable and oblivious to the very real threat of a very real and dangerous enemy. Peter says to “be sober minded; be watchful” and to “resist him, firm in your faith.” Being firm in our faith requires us to know the truth of God’s Word, to hold on to it, and to obey it.
We must also submit to and accept the ways that God has designed to watch over us and guard us, instead of allowing ourselves to be agitated by His care. The “rod and staff” referred to in Psalm 23 are examples of God’s leadership and care that provide comfort when we submit to them, but are not comfortable when we are determined to go our own way.
God’s plan for us is one of stability, faithfulness, and fruitfulness. Our enemy desires to destroy these things in whatever ways he can. Are you alert to danger? Are you submitting to God’s oversight?
How do you react when you see a coyote?
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