What is Crouching at Your Door?

Sin.  Sin is at your door right now.  As the Lord said to Cain when his offering did not please him and Cain was becoming angry, “And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door.  Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:7

Our Pastor recently reminded us of this verse in our Sunday school class.  He encouraged us to be more intentional in our prayers for others and to ask them what sin is crouching at their door so we can help pray against it.  This thought has stuck with me. 

Right now Satan desires my marriage.  As I prepare to leave for another country this coming Saturday, Satan would like nothing more than to drive a wedge between my husband and me.  To have us say bitter goodbyes as we harbor resentment in our hearts toward each other.  These ill feelings could continue to stew while we are apart and affect how we minister to others and care for our children.  Boom, the enemy wins.

I type this as I sit poolside at a hotel watching my husband and boys swim.   I have felt the attacks coming one by one all day.  From not receiving a compliment after working extra hard to look nice (petty I know), to no help with packing and hauling luggage for our overnight stay and now to the immodest women opposite him in the hot tub. Our enemy can sure hit where it hurts.

I find myself at a moment of decision, more accurately a pivotal moment in a battle.  I have been here many times before and I'm guessing you ladies have as well.  These little digs add up until we feel we have every right to be hurt and angry.  A confrontation feels imminent.  My inconsiderate and insensitive husband needs to be held accountable for his actions... right?

That could be my battle plan and I have chosen that route many times. The Sin at my door I welcomed in and allowed him to have his way in my heart and to direct my hurtful words and actions.  I thought I knew better than God and wanted fleshly retribution for my hurt feelings. 

Praise God that he has lordship over my heart and has patiently been training me over the years that I have been his.  Training me for real battle and how to identify the true and only Enemy that I have.   This is the Enemy I need to battle against, the Sin at my door, Satan himself.  I am beginning to better understand verses like Hebrews 5:14, “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

So I fight.  With the Word of God in my hand, I look at Jesus.  I remind myself of who he is and what he has done for me.  I look at verses like Romans 5:8, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  And Colossians 3:13, Mark 11:25, and Ephesians 4:32.  Finally, Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

As I read these verses and fix my eyes on Jesus, his powerful words fight for me.  They heal my heart and at the same time kick the Devil in the teeth and order him away from my doorstep.  Thanksgiving floods me and my eternal perspective is set right again.  Praise my mighty God!

Understand this trained (wise) response comes from walking with God and being in his Word for years.  I have failed so many times before that it is embarrassing.  This demonstrates why it is so important to remain in Christ and to work hard to have his Word implanted within you.  How can you fight a powerful Enemy if you are not trained in using the right weapon?

Ladies, what sin is crouching at your door desiring to pounce on you?  Be obedient to God’s command and “rule over it” in the name of Jesus.  Don’t battle flesh; battle the real Enemy that is spiritual evil.  It is attacking you in order to steal your attention from God’s good plans for your life.  Be courageous and don’t allow this to happen.  Allow God to train you for battle with his Word.  It is the only way to be victorious.  I enCOURAGE you to remain vigilant!

Now, Ladies, please excuse me.  I have a swimsuit to put on and a husband to enjoy some time with.