My husband and I were recently visiting California and went for a hike one afternoon. I had a feeling it was going to be a great nature day when we parked our car and immediately saw a coyote standing at the trailhead. As we hiked, lizards scurried across the trail and new-to-us birds sang in the trees. I was eager to identify all we could.

 

We were in the middle of a conversation when my husband stopped abruptly and pointed to a beautiful snake alongside the trail. It was a nonvenomous California kingsnake. I grew up with a pet kingsnake, but this one was different—black with yellowish-white stripes and a spot on its head.

After admiring the snake for a few moments, we continued hiking. Not long after, my husband stopped suddenly—again for a snake. This time it was not a harmless kingsnake, but a venomous southern Pacific rattlesnake! From a safe distance, we spotted the rattle at the tip of its tail.

Thankfully the rattlesnake slithered away uninterested in us. But if one feels threatened, it may shake its rattle as a warning: “Don’t come any closer!”

 

I’m grateful God designed rattlesnakes with an audible warning of danger. Satan is different. He doesn’t warn us before an attack. Instead, he prowls around, trying to trick and trap us in sin. But God protects us. His Holy Spirit warns us when a thought, attitude, habit, or behavior is harmful. His Word teaches us how to live a good and godly life. And we can have confidence knowing God has already defeated the enemy!

 

Do you remember what snake we saw first? The California kingsnake is not only harmless, but helpful—it eats venomous rattlesnakes! God made it resistant to rattlesnake venom. Thinking about a kingsnake devouring a rattlesnake reminds me that God has defeated Satan. And one day in eternity, we will experience God’s full victory over death, sadness, and sin.

 

This week, be on the lookout for the enemy’s attacks, as 1 Peter 5:8–9 tells us to be alert. When you feel tempted to sin or drawn toward something you know does not please God, listen for God’s Spirit. Prepare for the enemy’s traps by reading and memorizing Scripture. And thank God that although Satan is still active on earth, we know who the ultimate victor is—and it’s not the enemy!

“But it is now shown to us by the coming of our Savior Christ Jesus. He destroyed death, and through the Good News he showed us the way to have life that cannot be destroyed.”

2 Timothy 1:10 (NCV)

Dear God, help me to know Your Word and hear Your Holy Spirit so I can stay safe from the enemy’s attacks. Thank you for protecting me and for conquering sin and death.

Fun Fact:

A rattlesnake grows a new segment on its rattle each time it sheds its skin.

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