There's a Snake in Your Garden

I once heard a story about a couple who were having a quiet evening when their dogs suddenly began barking. They got louder, so the husband went outside to check on things. In a panic, he called to his wife and told her there was a snake in the corner of the entryway. While she kept an eye on the 4-foot snake, he went and got a shovel and a knife. After taking care of the snake, reality hit. In order for her husband to get out the front door, he passed right by the snake that could’ve struck out and bit him, or worse. God protected them both from harm.

We must be careful to keep watch of our surroundings, especially our homes. The enemy will use any way possible to slither in and lay in wait to strike out and destroy. Just like he did when he made his move on Eve in the garden. He convinced her that it was okay to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge and that nothing bad would happen. And so, she ate the fruit, then gave it to Adam to eat. But what happened after they ate it? They were immediately afraid and hid from God. Genesis 3:1-13 NKJV. They allowed themselves to be deceived by the serpent’s smooth words.

Ask yourself, what have I allowed in my life that I know shouldn’t be there? The lies of the enemy will tell you, ‘it’s okay, God will still love you. That was an innocent joke, what’s the harm it’s just a cartoon?’ I’m sure there’s more that can be added to the list. The enemy can use those we are around. The bible says, “Do not be deceived, ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.  Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.’  I Corinthians 15:33-34. You might be thinking, ‘how can I be a witness to those in need if I can’t hang out with them? Jesus hung out with the prostitutes, tax collectors, etc.’ Yes He did and He loved them, but He did not participate in their sin.

“Abstain from every form of evil.” I Thessalonians 5:22

Jesus told the 72 He sent out to witness that if they are not received, to dust their feet and move on. Luke 10:10-12. You can witness to someone, but keep our eyes opened and don’t be deceived. Sometimes people like the attention so they pretend to be receptive just to keep you coming back. That’s how the enemy works. He preys on the heart of those who want to do what God has called them to do. Do not be deceived! Guard your heart!

A couple of years ago we brought my niece from Hawaii to live with us. It was a nonstop battle from week one. She would be up all hours of the night yelling and screaming at the voices she heard. Every night we would pray over her, anoint our house, but still, the enemy would remain. Why? Because she was buying into the lies he whispered in her ear. After a month of spiritual battle, we had to come to a decision. We had to send her back to Hawaii. It was one of the most heart-wrenching decisions I’ve ever had to make. I helped raise her from the moment she was born. I don’t know where she is, but all I can do is pray and leave her in God’s hands. I made that choice because of my home, my marriage was at stake. The enemy had used her to bring disharmony in our home, but I wasn’t about to let him remain.

“A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.” Psalm 91:7

Read the entire chapter of Psalm 91 and pray it over your homes, yourself, your family. But remember, if we’re going to pray and ask God to be the ruler of our lives, of our homes, then we need to be aware of what we allow in our homes. Don’t be ‘okay’ with it because you don’t want to offend someone, take a stand and fight in Jesus’ name!

I challenge you, whom will you serve? Don’t allow the snake in your garden!

Blessings!