I learned a little bit about snakes on my walks. They eat frogs, they can be found near ponds hunting frogs, and they live in holes on banks with frogs. They are generally hidden, lying in wait, but then shhhh–a distinct swish of the grass betrays the cold-blooded predator. I tread lightly around the pond, knowing I may meet a snake in the grass.
Most snakes around here aren’t poisonous. They might give me the jumps, but they are pretty harmless. So this is where my snake/evil analogy ends. My path can be perilous but not because of serpents, at least, those of the Reptilian class.
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter Ephesians to a church he established in the city of Ephesus. It was to remind believers who they are in Christ and in unity as a church. It closes with a command: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Paul knew that the church would meet with struggle. He directed them to “put on the full armor of God” to overcome sin and evil, personally and united as a family of God. God is over all. It is not my own, but His power that crushes the forces of evil.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:11-12
Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” John 19:11
Meeting God at the Park 