“If you are going to hit a bees nest, hit the bee too”
Recently, I have established this as a personal and practical proverb for myself. In the midst of a North Carolina summer, keeping this saying fresh on your mind will guard you from the onslaught of irritated bees.
It came to my mind, after I attacked an obvious enemy. A large wasps nest situated on a trailer that I needed to access. It appeared empty so I went in for the kill.
Unfortunately, it was not the obvious target that suddenly began to blitz my neck and arms. My unseen enemy, the wasps who watched from a distance as I destroyed their home, swarmed me.
I escaped with 6 bullet marks and much frustration.
Later on, I pondered on the experience. I thought about the many obstacles I have faced in my life and some that I may anticipate. The culmination of these experiences, I realized, were the things that blindsided me.
We do not realize, or at least think of, how long we truly have with loved ones. Sometimes, they leave this world very quickly.
We do not expect a stupid decision to come back from the past and plague us, but sometimes, it does.
What people say to us, about us, and to spite us is out of control. Even more so, the consequences to follow.
In our personal and corporate ministries, there are devices that our enemy, Satan, is plotting against us to hinder us from sharing the eternity altering news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Not everything that happens to us is because of this, but ne’er think these things are not taken advantage of.
As I thought of the many unseen enemies dispersed throughout our timeline, I think of the struggles of the Apostle Paul.
He writes in 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5,
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”
In conclusion to his letter of comfort and assurance to the Thessalonians regarding the Coming of the Lord, Paul asks for prayer. What does he ask for prayer?
The Word of God to be spread and deliverance from wicked men without faith.
This is a very noble prayer, with the priority being first and foremost the spread of the Gospel then protection.
Notice also that both prayers are rather passive. God does both. He allows a free course of the Gospel, and He protects. The most active part of these prayers is- Well.
The prayer. Petitions of the Body of Christ!
Some may call this action- Faith. It is trusting that God has your blind spots, and that as verse 3 teaches, “the Lord is faithful.” Regardless of what happens, the Lord is faithful and shall (that’s a definite) stablish you and keep you from evil.
The end is already established, Jesus wins and is coming for you (5). Until then, like Paul, have confidence and allow God to direct your hearts into the love of God.
Pray and request prayer. And if you do not know how to start, pray with me below:
God, I adore you. All glory and power to your Holy name. The world is opposed to you and therefore opposed to me; nonetheless, I know that all who live Godly lives shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Therefore, be my Rock and be my Shield (Psalm 18:2). Allow Your Gospel to have free course in my life and protect me from wicked people without faith. Protect Your children with little faith and who do not know how they ought to pray (Romans 14). I will glorify you despite my troubles and give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Not only for what You do, but also for who You are. I humbly offer this prayer in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.