The other day I walked out onto my front porch, barefoot nonetheless, and there it was.

There it was – my biggest fear curled up in my rock bed – a big ol’ nasty snake.

Y’all. I don’t do snakes.

I froze, including my breathing. The unwelcome guest sensed my presence and slithered underneath my trashcan. Side note: I’m never taking the trash out again. I already told Frank.

For the rest of the week I was extremely cautious when I walked outside. First of all, I put on my dang shoes. Secondly, I walked out slowly looking up, down, and all around – kind of like a SWAT team member but kind of like a crazy lady. To say the least, I was hyper-aware of my surroundings.

The whole scenario got me thinking. We don’t know when “that” very unwelcome guest is going to decide to show up, but we sure need to be ready. We need to be aware of what’s surrounding us – what’s trying to slowly slither into our lives.

I’m not saying to be paranoid. I’m just saying to be prepared. Be smart. The Bible clearly states to put on the full armor of God so that we will be ready for whatever comes our way.

It’s time to put on our tennis shoes, guys. It’s time to stand our ground.

“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)