Sierra. Stop. My dog enjoys our daily walks even more than I do, as long as we are not caught off guard.

Our purpose is exercise, so we move at a pretty good clip. We follow a familiar route and I pretty well know where to watch for other dogs. The length of freedom of those leashed to a stake. The little, yappy ones controlled by an invisible fence (man, do they get under Sierra’s skin). Ahh, yes. And those with no restraint, allowed to roam freely.

Focused. Alert. Eyes up. I’m good. It’s when I become distracted, absorbed in my thoughts, that trouble hits. Mentally I revisit a learning from Bible study, dwell on a family issue, plan out what I will do next when I get home, or simply think nothing at all.

BAM! A hard tug – sometimes a down-and-out yank – on the leash I hold, usually accompanied by some unfriendly, gruff barking. Roused out of my thoughts I quickly rein Sierra back into safety.

So it is with the everydayness of life. In the New Testament book of 1 Peter the Apostle urges us, Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Yes, the devil is out to consume, to destroy us. Interestingly enough, he comes at us with nothing new. His three-fold strategy has not changed since Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) and Jesus in the desert (Matthew 4): the desires of our flesh, the longings of our eyes, and the pride of life.

Jesus shows us best how to handle those unexpected moments. Reaching into His armory He unleashes the Word of God. Three times Jesus responds, It is written … . (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10)

That same armory, the Word of God, is available to you. A lamp to your feet, God’s Word throws a beam of light on your path keeping you from hitting ditches and ruts (Psalm 119:105). Holy Scripture guards your heart, helping you stand against the devil’s schemes (Romans 8:37-39 MSG). It is a well-made weapon of the best material. But only effective if put to use.

Eugene Peterson writes, Be prepared. We’re up against far more than we can handle on our own. Take all the help … every weapon God has issued so when it is all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. (Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG)

Commit to it. Read it. Learn it. Memorize it. Use it. God’s true Word will help keep you from getting caught off guard.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17