Survival in the Spiritual Battle

When sunset comes at the end of the day a new world becomes visible. Or maybe I should say invisible. The dim light of the moon and stars seldom reveal the drama that happens every night.

In Kruger National Park the lions, leopards, cheetahs, Jackals, Wild Dogs, hyenas and numerous other carnivores begin their nightly ritual. The hunt is on in the cover of nighttime and the cool of the dark.  They must find food and the meal will cost another animal his life.

In the dark animals rely on their hearing, smell and companions to warn them of impending threats. The inky darkness veils the presence of the deadly animals. They can often be completely unaware until a disturbance breaks the silence and the bleating call of a distressed antelope or wildebeest scatters the herd.

It was early in the morning and a leopard was lying in the tall grass on the side of the road. The next thing we know a herd of impala was racing across the road in a panic. One antelope ran directly over the spot where the cat was lurking. He noticed the cat and leaped high in the air in an attempt to get past the cat and escape. As he jumped the leopard leaped up and grabbed the throat of the startled bock. They somersaulted together in the air and the leopard came down on top.

The split second capture was amazing. The opportunistic cat had instantly gone from a hidden position to a killer grip.  We could hardly believe what we were seeing! Leopards are agile and stealthy predators. As a predator, the leopard represented a great danger to shepherds and their flocks during Biblical times.

Jeremiah 5:6 (NIV)

6 Therefore a lion from the forest will attack them,

a wolf from the desert will ravage them,

a leopard will lie in wait near their towns

to tear to pieces any who venture out,

for their rebellion is great

and their backslidings many.

Survival in our personal spiritual battle can be treacherous. Be on guard lest the enemy overtake you by surprise. We are praying for you today.

Cathy and Danny Sartin

Deeper Still Missions

Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved.

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