The Pig
Jun 26, 2021 by Iris Munchinsky
As I peered out the window, several thoughts entered my head--one being how the pig knew of Karel's exit, and two, that it didn't really look all that big. Mistake number one. Opening the door, I sized up the situation with city-slicker eyes and crept down the steps, intent on grabbing it by the hind legs. Stealthily, I moved in for the catch and lunged. Though never previously involved in boxing matches, I instantly became aware of how Mohammad Ali's opponents must have felt. Holding onto the legs, my arms were practically torn from their sockets as the pig furiously pummeled the air. Needless to say, I didn't make it to round two.
Soon after, one of our friends showed up, helpfully falling to the ground in laughter. To his credit, he realized my pig-to-pen contributions would be useless and commandeered someone from the road to help. Finally, the wily creature was relocated back to its pen and all was well.
I say all this to reiterate a saying made famous by Sun Tzu, an ancient Chinese general--Know thy enemy. Of course, the pig wasn't literally my enemy, but to my great surprise, was much better equipped for the fight than I was. The protagonist in my Bridge of Shadows novel also found this out the hard way and was nearly overcome.
As Christians, we have an enemy who is bigger, more powerful, and much better equipped than we are, though sometimes he appears benign. We need a Champion who understands his schemes and is capable of fighting for us. 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith." We're no match for him, but then, he's no match for God. Remember that the next time you're flailing around, wondering what just happened. Learn to recognize when you're in a battle, call on your Champion's help, and then believe that He'll go to bat for you.
Soon after, one of our friends showed up, helpfully falling to the ground in laughter. To his credit, he realized my pig-to-pen contributions would be useless and commandeered someone from the road to help. Finally, the wily creature was relocated back to its pen and all was well.
I say all this to reiterate a saying made famous by Sun Tzu, an ancient Chinese general--Know thy enemy. Of course, the pig wasn't literally my enemy, but to my great surprise, was much better equipped for the fight than I was. The protagonist in my Bridge of Shadows novel also found this out the hard way and was nearly overcome.
As Christians, we have an enemy who is bigger, more powerful, and much better equipped than we are, though sometimes he appears benign. We need a Champion who understands his schemes and is capable of fighting for us. 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith." We're no match for him, but then, he's no match for God. Remember that the next time you're flailing around, wondering what just happened. Learn to recognize when you're in a battle, call on your Champion's help, and then believe that He'll go to bat for you.