Hidden Danger
After packing up and heading back home from our camping trip, I decided to make a pit stop and take my son to Lake Okeechobee. This visit would be a first for him as he’s never been to the lake. Excitedly, he accepted the invitation and started to ask all kinds of questions. “Papi, how big is the lake? Can I see land on the other side? What’s there?” “You’ll see,” I replied.
As we drove alongside the levy, I showed him the large mound and explained how levy’s worked and that the lake was on the other side. “Really?! It’s that big?” You’ll see,” I said. Shortly after, we made a left turn and started to drive up the levy. When we reached the top, we saw the vast greatness of the lake. “It looks like the ocean!” my son said.
We then made our way down the hill and parked to walk on the pier. We started walking toward the pier when we noticed a small beach to the right. It looked inviting and refreshing. However, as my son looked closer, he saw something in the water. Two eyes and the tip of an alligator’s snout were faintly above the water. “Look, it’s an alligator!”
Judging by the size of the head, we estimated it to be a considerable size. Perhaps a good twelve feet in length. “Why don’t we go in for a closer look?” I asked my son. “Dad, that thing is about twenty feet from the shore. Don’t you know that alligators can run almost 30mph on land? So let’s keep our distance. You never know; he may be stalking prey.”
“Wise words, son.” With that, we walked to the pier, took in the view, and then headed back home. This story reminds me that we must always be vigilant and knowledgeable about lurking and hidden dangers beneath the surface. When we underestimate sin and get close to the edge, sin can sneak up and devour us. For this reason, we must stay in the Word and Spirit to guide us and keep us safe.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Proverbs 7:21-23
With persuasive words she led him astray;
she seduced him with her smooth talk.
22 All at once he followed her
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer stepping into a noose
23 till an arrow pierces his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
little knowing it will cost him his life.
Pray:
Pray for wisdom, discernment, and strength to turn and flee temptation by using the Word and Spirit.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you? Then, determine what you will do with what you’ve learned.
Share / Show:
Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.
