I’m probably trapped in an old-age rut, but my morning routine generally plays out in a similar fashion every morning. Arising early, predawn, I open my back door, step out on the deck, and am immediately greeted by my four not-so–feral-anymore kitties, all brimming with hunger and loudly vocalizing the need for food, NOW. I have lovingly prepared their breakfast, consisting of two or three cans of wet cat food, a handful of dry kitty kibbles, and a special treat such as fresh tuna or chicken (good grief!). Once the kitties are contentedly munching, it’s off to the bird feeders that grace our front yard, small seed for the sparrows and finches, some suet for the woodpeckers, sunflower seeds for the songbirds, and of course, some peanuts for the squirrels and blue jays. All is well in the Winkle Animal Reserve, at least until the two worlds collide.
Cats are hunters by nature and one of my adopted strays, a sleek, short-haired black cat with hypnotizing green eyes, is one of the best. She assumes her favorite hiding spot, either under our thick, holly bushes located beneath our front bay window, or under our drooping, Japanese maple, both providing a clear, uninterrupted view of the bird feeders. Then the game is afoot. She crouches patiently, perfectly camouflaged in the scenery, on guard for the unfortunate creature who will soon be caught unawares. Her focus is undeterred, tail nervously twitching, muscles tightened, then without warning, she strikes, destroying the prey, and providing for herself a tasty kitty-breakfast dessert.
It’s no coincidence that God likens Satan’s tactics to that of a cat, more specifically, a lion. We are warned to “Be sober,” for our adversary is alert, focused, aware of our weaknesses. And he knows how to bait us, and he will wait, crouched in the bushes, waiting to pounce. Don’t underestimate his craftiness, his patience, his strategy. As I watch that sly, black cat waiting patiently for those unsuspecting sparrows, I am reminded of that “roaring lion” that is lying in wait for me, watching for the perfect opportunity, that moment of weakness, to strike a fatal blow.
Thankfully, I can resist him through the One Who has already conquered him. I can be steadfast and I can win that battle, but never in my own strength. I have a more powerful Lion on my side, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, for He won the battle against darkness and defeated this foe at Calvary. Victory over that crafty cat is mine in Christ.
I Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Lord, help me to be mindful of Satan’s tactics. His goal is to destroy my joy and my testimony, so I need Your strength and cunning to defeat him.