WHAT DO I DO WHEN I SEE A SNAKE?

Encounter with a Snake

by T. L Wiens

Encounter with a Snake

I stepped out my front door and found myself face to face with a rattle snake. The only reason I didn’t step on him was a quick last second action to step to the side so that I had to jump off the front steps to my house. We live in an area where rattle snakes aren’t supposed to be but here I was facing a coiled up snake with a very distinct tail. I started to pray for protection and help as to how to not disturb him anymore so we could both retreat to our safe corners.

This encounter reminded me of something—even home can sometimes not be a safe place. We need to be prepared for the enemy at all times and yet not filled with fear every time we move. The church is supposed to be a safe place, a second home amongst brothers and sisters but sometimes an enemy sneaks in. How do we face these types of encounters? The Bible has the answer. I Thessalonians 5:8-22 has some good advice for believers to help them when the enemy is staring them in the eye.

VS 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

VS 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

VS 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

VS 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

VS 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

VS 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

VS 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

VS 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

VS 16 Rejoice evermore.

VS 17 Pray without ceasing.

VS 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

VS 19 Quench not the Spirit.

VS 20 Despise not prophesyings.

VS 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

VS 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

VS 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

VS 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

VS 25 Brethren, pray for us.

VS 26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

VS 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

VS 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

We need to study our Bibles, be obedient and as I look over this list, we need to communicate with God in prayer, praise, giving thanks for ourselves and our brothers and sister in Christ. When our hearts are in the right place, we will have the protection we need to avoid getting bitten by the enemy even when we encounter one.

Tammy Wiens

Tammy lives in Saskatchewan with her husband. They have four children. She enjoys gardening, walks along the beach and being on the farm. She has a passion for her faith, studying the Bible and prayer.

She has published two books; Where a Little Rain Comes Down and Making the Bitter Sweet. A short story, “May’s First Christmas” appeared in Christmas Chaos, a collection of stories about Christmas experiences that don’t make the fronts of Christmas cards. “Careful What You Whisper” is another short story about Tammy’s experiences after breaking her back. It can be found in A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider. Visit T. L. Wiens for more information about Tammy’s books and workshops.

 

 

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1 comment

  1. Phew! Close encounter, Tammy.
    Praise God you had the wisdom to react appropriately.
    It’s a great illustration, and your selected Scripture reading is right on with your point.
    ~~+~~

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