Drover approached his master with dread. His ears drooped and his tail sagged. His tongue darted worriedly about his chops, and his every aspect exuded guilt. The man needed to discipline Drover for his undisciplined behavior. Although Drover could not understand the scolding words, he felt the chastening tone of the man’s voice. He had done wrong to carry the shoe off the back porch. Chewing the savory leather, saturated with the delightful odor of human feet, had seemed irresistible, but now he must reap the consequences.  

The man’s countenance softened as he observed the penitent dog. He knew what it was like to experience temptation. He understood many things about temptation that Drover did not. He knew that since the days of Adam and Eve, humans have experienced the classic pattern of enticement and failure: Look, lust, yield, and reap. He had also learned the formula for victorious Christian living: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:7).  

Drover’s disobedience resulted in a tattered shoe and an irritated master, but when people disobey God, the consequences reach much further. Satan has declared war on God, and his objective is to snatch the souls of men and women from the hollow of God’s hand. Temptation is the tool he uses to accomplish this goal.  

God leaves the matter entirely up to us. He has given us the Bible, which shows us the path to victory. He offers His Holy Spirit to guide us. He willingly forgives when we repent of our sins. We need not live in defeat. We can be overcomers today.  

When sin appeals, in prayer one kneels and Christ’s power feels.  

With lust he deals; then Satan reels, takes to his heels. 

From Paws on My Porch, by Gary Miller  

© 2015 TGS International, PO Box 355, Berlin, Ohio 44610 

Used by permission