Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.” (Ex. 1:22)
Our home is surrounded by trees. It is a beautiful scene any time of day, whether from our back deck or our front porch. However, one of the prices we pay for such beauty is the occasional visitor who wants to make our home theirs. From rabbits and squirrels to bats and deer, we’ve called our yard the Beatty Wild Kingdom. One of our furry friends recently burrowed a hole in an awning and made its way into our attic. We had to hire a trusted professional to help us reclaim that part of our home.
In the process, we found that the squirrel was pregnant and trying to nest before her family officially arrived. We were informed that it would be prudent to solve this problem before she delivered. Otherwise, we would have more friends and this mother would eventually do anything to get to and protect her young. Nothing else would satisfy her.
It seems there are other things that don’t take no for an answer and burrow their way into our lives—with and sometimes without our permission. In those moments, it is important to call on the One who knows the intruder well and has not only the power, but also the wisdom to intervene before the problem gets even worse. A mentor once told me that sin is never satisfied, and I think he’s right.
May your pursuit of holiness supersede any temporary thrill.
Santes Beatty is director of multiethnic ministries for The Wesleyan Church.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
