Yes, seriously. And I’m not talking about those Community Board traitors who sold out our neighborhood. Real rats….
Apparently, after months of street excavation replacing water mains, a colony of rats relocated in our building grounds to be “fruitful and multiply”. While I had seen one or two over the past few weeks, early this morning, on a mission to wash clothes, I had to cross the battle lines. Four rats jumped out of an open trash can, others ran past me as I forged ahead to the laundry room – very determined but with trepidation!
I called an expert in building maintenance (my husband!) already gone to work. He was upset for me but advised, “Rats are very smart!! They know when you’re afraid! Don’t back down, make a lot of noise, let them fear you!” Well, I already failed at that since I was standing on a chair.
All of a sudden, my Bible studies rose up in my heart. I was determined to complete the task at hand and without fear. I believe in sovereignty and purpose in all that a believer encounters so, tossing clothes into machines, I lent my mind to godly thinking.
“…make a lot of noise”… a metal rod was at hand and a lot of noise was made at regular intervals! Any passer by would have greatly wondered….
“They know when you’re afraid! Don’t back down….let them fear you!” Now this was a living message for my soul. I immediately thought of fearful and intimidating thoughts that attack me and challenge my faith. Yesterday for example, a situation arose jeopardizing my husband’s job.
If the devil “...prowls around like a roaring lion...” then, my friend, his demons are the rats that scurry around to inflict fear and intimidate. And they know when you fear them…our fear emboldens them to draw near and will bite if possible!
Metal rod in hand, I clanged through my laundry with ease. But this I realized and planted in my heart: “Let them fear you!” The true believer in Christ lives with the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are the temple of God, He dwells within us. Standing in Christ, we need not fear the devil, let him fear us as we claim God’s word like a rod in our hand!
Amen.
theburninglampdotcom 
Never thought I’d learn a lesson from a rat. Great post.
Me neither! Thanks John.
Wow! I needed this dear friend! Your husband may not have realized his instruction would benefit many people including me! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much dear brother! Your encouraging words mean a lot. (I’m actually writing this in the laundryroom- no rats around but I’m keeping the metal rod at hand!) The Lord knows I need this lesson, and need to walk in it. Thank you again, God bless you Bruce!
Reblogged this on Lee Duigon.
Wow, thanks so much Lee! I really appreciate it! 😀
My pleasure. I’m used to domestic rats, which are very nice, so I wouldn’t have known what to do in your position. Somehow I don’t think “Who’s a good girl?” would work on the rats you encountered.
AMEN! Many promises fill us with courage and weapons for the warfare.:)
Thanks so much Frances, I know we’ll need that courage more and more. 🌹
Love the post, Lisa Beth. Hey, this can begin an entire series of posts of lessons you learned from other critters. Perhaps a raccoon is next!
Wow, that’s an idea! I will definitely keep my eyes and heart open. Thanks David, always appreciate your views.
Sorry about the rats. I hate rats. Good to hear that you learn a lesson from them.
Thanks Beverley! Don’t know why He made rats but I try to find God’s purpose in every unavoidable circumstance. Appreciate your visit and comment!
Yes, “Resist the devil and HE will flee from YOU.” 😉
Amen!
What a vivid lesson!
Thanks Jennifer, for your visit and comment! 🌹
Great lesson, I often wondered why such a creature is so terrifying, but I still hate rats.I would have a rod in hand also. We know we need the word of truth with ever situation we encounter. I say devil your a liar your are not welcome here so go.
Thank you sister, appreciate your visit and comments! If our hearts are open and hungry to hear from God, its amazing how He speaks thru creation. What a mighty God we serve!
Amen!
Perfect analogy!! Thank you for this simple yet profound lesson, Lisa! ❤
Thanks Lynn, so good to hear from you! I am so grateful for all that the Lord teaches…while also praying that the rats move on! 😀
Great post, Lisa. If you can find a lesson in rats, I think we can find a lesson in just about anything if we have our spiritual eyes open.
Thanks Bill, I love lessons from creation…even from rats… But I do hope they’ve moved on to other venues! It’s so good to hear from you Bill – we think of you and Mary often. May the Lord continue to lead you in His will. ☺