What’s in your path?

Under the veil of darkness, a predator walked my path. Hunting, prowling – leaving his mark with every step. A path I walked daily, blissfully unaware of his presence. 

This morning, the sunlight revealed his footprints. The size of the prints made me pause and ponder, “What else am I sharing my path with?” 

While the coyote prints on my driveway didn’t have real potential to cause me harm, there are things in this world that do – things that are not in alignment with God’s Truth. They promise temporary pleasure, but no real satisfaction. They distract me from the hope and life found in Jesus.  

Are there things in my life I’ve allowed to stay hidden? In my passivity, am I leaving my heart unguarded?

The simple answer is yes. 

Scripture reminds us that we do have an enemy—one who seeks to distract and destroy (John 10:10, 1 Peter 5:8). Like a predator in the dark, he works quietly, often unnoticed.

Last week, Cari challenged us to guard our hearts. To do this, we need to be aware of the enemy’s presence and awake to his desire for attack. 

In doing so, we can stand firm in our faith and fight back with the light and truth of Jesus. 

Jesus says, “I am the light of the world… whoever follows me will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12).

Walking in the light reveals what hides in the dark, making it so we are equipped to guard our hearts, stand firm in faith, and walk the path that leads to true, abundant life.

Thoughts to Ponder:

• What “hidden” influences or habits in your life might be quietly pulling your heart away from Jesus, even if at first glance they seem harmless?
• What truth do you need to cling to this week to shine light and guard your heart from the attacks of the enemy?