Under Attack


This milkweed plant in Cades Cove of the Great Smoky Mountains is under attack. Driving by and glancing casually at the plant does not reveal the oleander aphid infestation, but close examination shows a large colony of these dreaded yellow creatures sucking the life out of the host plant. Often the plant is left alive but covered in mold and fungi afterward.

If this was happening in your garden you would certainly take steps to either:
1) prevent them in the first place, or 
2) eliminate them from your plants.

You may not be aware because of the distractions of life, but you may very well be under attack as well. Upon close inspection you may find that Satan has launched an attack on you and is slowly sucking the joy right out of your life because you've allowed him to influence a certain area that you haven't given over 100% to the Lord.

1 Peter 5:8 tells us, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Whether the sin is as small as an aphid or as large as a lion, the end result is the same -- for unbelievers, death and separation from God. For believers, remorse, guilt, discouragement, hurt, a bad reputation, and broken fellowship with God.

You have two options for the infestation of sin:
1) prevent it by faithfully living out a holy life, or
2) eliminate it through prayer and repentance

Don't let sin leave a painful and lasting mark on your life. Be alert, give it to Jesus, and He will make you clean, whole and free.

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