“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” I Peter 5:8
In the last couple days I have been contemplating “invisible enemies”. Those things in our lives that can be small or much bigger that make our lives miserable, irritable, and sometimes can even be deadly. Oftentimes we can only imagine what the outcome will be until the end result becomes apparent.
In the last several weeks, even months, we have all been paralyized by an invisible enemy called CO-VID 19. How and when it began seems to be debatable, but it certainly arrived with a vengeance. Because it is called a virus, we can’t see it. No one knows if they have it, unless they are tested to be positive. We are told all kinds of ways to prepare for it or to hold it at bay, but even then we can be attacked by this adversary without warning. In the history of the world, there have been many such illnesses that have wreaked havoc with civilization. We are aware that they exist, but until it attacks, we can’t see the effects or how intensely it will cause harm.
These last few days caused me to think about the wind. It is obscured and out of sight, but certainly leaves its presence felt once it has arrived! As I spent hours outside the last few days gathering up branches and sticks left behind in the wind’s wrath, I thought about the sound and fury of the unseen wind. Last Thursday night, Dan and I were in the garage when the wind came up suddenly. We looked out the door, and obviously couldn’t “see” it, but the power of the coming force was undeniable. Suddenly we heard banging on the north side of the garage, and then a pelting sound. Hail? A tree falling on the roof? Branches hitting from all directions? Just as quickly as it arrived, within minutes the unseen intruder became quiet and left our presence. We again walked outside, and we were happy to see only some big branches and many smaller ones scattered around. No roof damage or traces of hail.
Our neighbors and friends to the south and east of us were not so blessed. As we drove to Worthiington Friday morning, we saw twisted pieces of metal resting in fields and ditches for several miles. Trees along the way were totally uprooted and lay quietly defeated. We knew then that this invisible wind we had experienced had been much more unkind to others than it had to us, destroying buildings and structures in its path. Our memories quickly went back to 2008 when we, too, had been the target of this unseen foe. When this enemy hits, all you can do is deal with the aftermath and begin cleaning up. It is hard work and all hands that help are appreciated. Like most enemies, we are left to decide what to do with the after affects once it attacks.
On a much smaller scale I dealt with plants in the yard and garden yesterday that were scorched and flattened by the heat and strength of the past few days of uncontrollable gales. Our granddaughter, Selah, who usually likes to be outside, just wanted to stay inside. Her little four year old body literally was about blown away! When we went to check on Two Socks, our newest little calf, the barn door absolutely slammed behind us. This unseen challenger is truly a force to be reckoned with. Once we headed back to the house, we realized our flag pole had succumbed to this powerful opponent too. Destruction of every level is no match for wind, severe or otherwise.
Last night as I attempted to give some refreshing water to the dried out plants, and even reached down to pull a few stubborn weeds, I kept being blind-sided by something biting me. This invisible enemy was obviously there, seemingly all around me, but no matter how hard or often I slapped, it persisted! Even after a nice warm shower, the itching and irritation continued. It has let up some this morning, but the memory is still there. Every few moments the temptation to scratch my wrists and ankles reminds me.
This morning the sun is dawning bright, and the house flag is resting at ease in its light. The wind has moved on. It reminds me of another promise from God’s word: “ Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions (mercies) never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
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