Devotionals

---

What can we learn from the praying mantis? You might not know that this warrior insect poses itself in the manner of prayer when it is doing warfare. This skilled hunter waits with its front legs folded, as if praying for an insect to stray within its deadly grasp

As I study one of Gods smallest creations, I realize the great attributes a praying mantis has that I as a Christian can learn from. As Christians our main warfare is done through prayer. Paul tells us,

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
(Eph 6:12) NASB

In other words, the kind of war we are engaged in since our day of rebirth is a spiritual one, not a physical one. The only way to fight spiritually is to pray fervently. Prayer is the chosen weapon of warfare here.

Seeing the stance a praying mantis takes prior to killing his prey, we too must remember that the only way we will arise victoriously over our enemy, is through prayer. With a calculated plan to devour his enemy the praying mantis waits fervently and steadfastly until he accomplishes his goal. As a believer, we too should have a calculated plan to destroy the enemy. Without it we will be blind sided and the battle will be all but over as we are left defeated, or devoured by the enemy. That is why it is all too important to pray daily as we abide in this present darkness.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
(1 Peter 5:8) NASB

Our best and only defense in the spiritual realm is prayer. It is our open line of communication to the Father. It is our life source and without it we would be null and void in power, and we would live defeated lives. So today, we can all learn a lesson from the praying mantis. We must stay posed for warfare spiritually. We must remain steadfast if we are to accomplish our objectives in this spiritual battle. We must not waiver, but abide within the shadow of the Almighty. How do we do that? We must pray.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge

(Psalm 91: 1-4) NASB

Copyright 2004 Jane e Morin
http://besidestillwater.faithweb.com

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE