Protect Yourself!

A few days ago, I had quite a shock. My MacBook laptop had a virus that potentially allowed the person who created it to view all my private information. MAC computers are usually pretty safe from viruses, but to provide added protection I’d also installed some antivirus software that had previously worked well. However, it was now telling me there were at least six viruses on my computer, but while they couldn’t remove them, they identified where they were, possibly enabling me to do so. Sadly, that proved impossible and I had to seek the help of a professional, who sorted out the problem in less than two hours.

Interestingly, he identified and removed a couple of other viruses as well, and together we worked out that they’d managed to get through my antivirus protection because I’d over-ridden it. I’d downloaded some free software to help me develop my family tree. Within that free software were things that were damaging my computer and could have proved very costly.

So, what’s the application of this? It reminded me of the verse we started with in Ephesians 4:27. I’d thought that I was safe. I had the best added protection I could afford. Yet I was let down by my own carelessness and provided the enemy with a foothold. Footholds can easily become strongholds, and that is what would have happened to my computer, creating havoc.

Our lives are often much the same. We can think that being a Christian protects us fully from the enemy and we never have to worry. We add extra ‘protection’ in the form of prayer and Bible study and Church attendance and think we’re immune from enemy attacks. But he never gives up. He isn’t really looking for the big sins in our lives, as we may be only too aware of those. He focusses instead of what we can think of ‘little sins’; little entry points, such as that simple free family tree software. The preceding verse in Ephesians 4:26 mentions anger. It isn’t necessarily an obvious thing but is a way a foothold can be created in our lives.

I knew I had a problem. I knew I had to do something about it, and quickly, or things would only get worse. I sought help from someone experienced, and to my surprise there were other things there that I had no knowledge of. Because I was willing and sought help, they were removed, and I was brought into a place of rightful covering and safety again. My wife and I did much the same in 1992, when we first came to Glyndley Manor and sought help at a Healing Retreat. There we found people who understood and were guided by Holy Spirit to bring much freedom into our lives. Over the years, there have been other instances too, as God has revealed other viruses (footholds or strongholds) that needed removing.

Have you allowed the enemy a foothold? Don’t allow that to develop further. Seek help and be free to be the person God created you to be in Christ. There’s no virus, foothold, or stronghold that He can’t break, if you’re willing. I was embarrassed at what I’d done, but I didn’t allow that to prevent me seeking help. Don’t let fear or embarrassment prevent you from being made clean and whole.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for loving me and never giving up on me. Thank You that You desire me to be free and gave Your very life for that to happen. Help me, by Your Holy Spirit, to be aware of any footholds that the enemy’s gained in my life, and to be quick to respond and seek help to be free. Amen.