We Must be Vigilant

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

In a disturbing story shared by Runner’s World Tuesday, it was reported that an unnamed 22-year-old female runner who had just graduated from Yale lost her foot in a shark attack. The woman—who recently completed a marathon in the Netherlands—was staying at her parents’ vacation home with a friend and arranged for a private ocean tour. While snorkeling along Grace Bay Beach at a popular saltwater dive site, The Daily Mail reports  that the unnamed woman was attacked by what is believed to be a Caribbean Reef Shark, though there has been no confirmed identification of the predator. The shark bit off the young woman’s entire left foot, still in her flipper… The snorkel tour operator, Big Blue Collective, said in a statement that shark attacks around the Turks and Caicos are “extremely rare” and explained the context of the attack. “Only two individuals were in the water, which was clear and calm when a presumed Caribbean Reef Shark left one snorkeler with an injury due to what is known in diving circles as a case of mistaken identity,” the statement said.

And you know, when it comes to surprise attacks, the Bible warns us to “be sober” and “vigilant.” Which means we are to be serious and alertly watchful to avoid danger at all times—especially when life appears to be “clear and calm.” You see, the hunting lion doesn’t make his presence known by announcing his whereabouts to his prey but stays hidden and waits for the prey to come close. Lions are said to be extremely patient and will wait for hours to attack at just the right time. Which is the very reason the attacks seemingly come out of nowhere and the reason you and I must never ever let our guards down, not even for a moment. 

So always be on the lookout for trouble my friend—resisting the temptation to become complacent. You can be sure the devil wants to devour you and will watch and wait for the right opportunity, studying your every move until it’s the right time to pounce. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are never safe from the attacks of the enemy.. Help us to truly grasp this so that we will be armored up and battle ready. Lord as we grow nearer to the end times, fill us with an urgency to be fully trained in the Word so that we will be ready to fight the attacks that are ramping up quickly. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!