When Cats Fly
So, the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world. Revelation 12:9
Images can be deceiving, especially at night. It is easy to convince myself that I see a big black shadow (bear) as I am walking from the car to house. But when the motion sensory light blinks on it is only a shadow of a forgotten tree. There is a feeling of relief and some embarrassment that flows through me at those moments. Cathy Mayfield (All God’s Creatures) shares a most intriguing story that should make sense to all readers.
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We vacation near a lake and often go out at night to see what animals have come out after dark. “Pull over along the guardrail,” I said to my husband. “I want to shine the spotlight on the beach. There might be deer or a bear close to the lake.” The tires crunched over the gravel at the side of the road.
I passed the light’s beam along the sandy strip at the edge of the lake. Our light met and blended with the moon’s reflection on the water. Pretty, but not the hoped-for animal sighting. We continued our way along the road around the lake, driving five miles per hour, the proper speed for spotting. We had neared the exit to the park when our oldest yelled out.
“Mama! There’s a cat on the dam! A cat! It could fall over the edge!” Our daughter pointed to a spot on the top edge of the dam, where the moonlight had given her a glimpse of silhouetted cat ears. I finished scanning the lower grassy section of the dam and swung the spotlight to dam breast to check out the cat. Although I cared about the animal, it wasn’t a bear.
No sooner had the light hit the feline shape than it grew wings and flapped off into the night sky! We gasped. The next moment, we began laughing and talking all at once about the unique spotting of a great horned owl. Our daughter would always remember the “cat” who fooled her and flew away.
As a Christian, I know another who may come dressed as an innocent cat. Satan, with lies and disguises, sits and waits for me to acknowledge his presence. I need to pray and watch, as the Bible says, to not be fooled by his deceit, trusting Jesus to shine the spotlight on him.
Wily as a wolf, stealthy as a snake, the devil can prowl. But beware! He’s fake. —C.M.
Almighty Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit that speaks to me when evil presents itself. I need You every moment of every day; Your protection, Your counsel, and Your love. AMEN.