The Lord is taking me into a new season for whatever the reason. Over the weekend He began to speak to me about various things that He was calling traps of the enemy. This morning I wrote about one of the greatest traps being the deception that leads one away from rest.

The Lord has given me a study to consider out of the book of Nehemiah that I will be breaking out soon, but along the way He has had me revisit various things from my childhood. One of those things is the fables of Aesop and Hans Christian Anderson.I have been meditating about the traps that are besetting friends and family.  And so, God tells us that He reveals things to His prophets, but He also reveals them to His children. J

But one of the “red flags” I am seeing, is that people as they see their destiny are actually pulling away from Him. Apart from God and His purpose destiny can soon become prideful or self-centered no matter what the thinking. Too often motivated by works and the misunderstanding of identity, self begins to take over.

This is a short fable or story from my childhood from Aesop. Not all fables have biblical truth in them but this one does.

The Tree and the Reed

“WELL, little one,” said a Tree to a Reed that was growing at its foot, “why do you not plant your feet deeply in the ground, and raise your head boldly in the air as I do?”
“I am contented with my lot,” said the Reed. “I may not be so grand, but I think I am safer.”
“Safe!” sneered the Tree. “Who shall pluck me up by the roots or bow my head to the ground?” But it soon had to repent of its boasting, for a hurricane arose which tore it up from its roots, and cast it a useless log on the ground, while the little Reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.

“OBSCURITY OFTEN BRINGS SAFETY.”

Jesus we are told was a man of no reputation. Philippians 2:7 But too often His people are. So much was He amongst men that even the soldiers could not tell Him in the garden.

Beware the trap of lifting your head high.

Written by Lee Johndrow

Lee is the Senior Leader of Abundant Grace Fellowship Church in Keene, NH

He is the father of five wonderful children. Married for over 26 years to his wife Tina. Loving life with family, friends, faith, fun and food!