THE DANDELION SEED

I had seen these white, wispy, things before. They looked harmless, until a friend of ours identified it as a “blowball”, the seed head of a dandelion. It carries with it a seed to be put back into the soil to grow. But, it is really an aggressive weed that competes for water and nutrients from other plants. Now, after doing some research, dandelions can have some beneficial attributes…but only in small doses and in very specific places….but not with my plants. When I picked it up there was the seed, ready to take over my beautiful new flowers. It cannot just be tossed because it can blow back, maybe not in the same place, but it will come back. Instead, I crushed the seed itself and threw it away in a trash bin. Since then I now can identify the “destroyer” as I call it, and check daily to make sure it doesn’t effect any of the other plants. The other day, while I was reading my bible, I came upon this verse; “ sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it”. My sin? Where was I sinning? It wasn’t obvious. It came quietly in the back door, when I wasn't paying attention, in the corner of my mind with this potential new belief “why would God do….” “If I love someone I wouldn’t do that” . It was a subtle change, but nonetheless,, just as dangerous. It was questioning the character of God, the goodness of God, the love of God, the purpose of God. And that my friend is how Satan works…just like this innocent looking blowball. He IS the father of all lies, and if he can’t defeat you in obvious ways, he will find the backdoor, and come in quietly, in the dark, and begin to lie, small at first, but lie until you finally believe it and then he has you…so, how do you combat this kind of evil? 1 Peter 5:8 says to be watchful; James 4:7 submit to God, resist the devil, and will flee from you; Ephesians 6:13-18 says to put on the whole armor of God and stand firm against the devils schemes, citing TRUTH, FAITH, and the WORD OF GOD. Just like our friend who showed us this destructive seed, God, through His word, will show you how to identify the sin you are struggling with AND a way out. How about you? Has Satan crouched near you, whispering lies, half trues, or just tempting you with everything that brings temporary pleasures? Did you know that he doesn’t even have to tempt you, but just distract you? As times get darker we all need to be on alert to the evil one but know that Jesus conquered death and sin and WON. We just need to stay close to Him, submit to Him, and trust Him daily, no matter the circumstances around us. As for the dandelions in my garden…they are gone today but I know they can blow in again..so I keep alert…