Hidden Dangers
by John Berry
We were on holiday in Cornwall and had a day on the beach with our grandchildren. We went to a place where the tide goes out a long way to expose great stretches of sand, which is popular with families. The surf at the waters edge was frequented by dozens of wet-suit-clad surfers of all ages. The sea comes rolling in with waves which are good for the surfers, even though they don’t seem very big to a non-surfer like me!
We were puzzled however by a number of life-savers on duty at the scene, complete with rescue vehicles, quad bikes and life rafts. A bit over the top we thought, until on returning home we happened to see a TV programme about sea rescues which included a piece on the beach we were at. The documentary revealed that the waves were actually treacherous, in that there is an undercurrent which can drag people under the water, and a force in the waves which can cause damage to the human body, let alone cause exhaustion to those trying to battle against them.
I was reminded about the hidden-ness of the power of the enemy. The principalities and powers and spiritual forces of evil against which we contend in this life are a considerable threat to us. Because they’re hidden we can so easily dismiss them as being of no consequence, but like the waves, there’s an unseen power which can cause great damage to the unsuspecting.
The life-guards were at the water’s edge ready to rescue those who were in difficulties, and send them off if necessary for further help by the medics. We frequently are asked to pray with people who have been damaged by the undercurrents of the Enemy, but some of the damage would have been prevented if the warnings of Scripture – God’s Life-Guard – had been heeded. Let’s not underestimate our Enemy, but be on our guard as we live our Christian life every day among the ‘waves’.
Prayer: Thanks you, Lord, that you are concerned to protect your children from the attacks of the enemy. Help me to have eyes wide open to his tactics so that I will not be caught unawares by an unexpected wave. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
John Berry entered the Baptist Ministry more than 40 years ago, and joined the Team at Ellel Glyndley Manor in 2007 with his wife Jennie. They have both now retired from the team but remain as part of the Teaching and Associate Ministry Teams at Glyndley. John and Jennie have seven Grandchildren.
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