The Sinister Footprint in the Sand

Walking along the sandy beaches of Cocoa Beach, Florida, there are thousands of footprints in the sand going in all directions. There are tiny children’s footprints, adult foot prints, dog foot prints and bird footprints. There are so many footprints that most people don’t notice them at all, they seem to blend into the beach landscape. That is until they are washed away by the tide to start a clean slate for the next fun filled day in  the sun.

One day this week, a particular footprint caught my eye, one of the most disturbing footprints I’ve ever seen. So much that I turned around to show my husband.  We both were dumbfounded by this print that we took pictures of it.

Then, like two detectives, we followed the path down the beach; wondering who or what could make such a print like this.  For much of the way, there seemed to be only one right print. Finally, we saw a left print, but it was oddly further up and pointing outward, much like that of  a monster.

There was something sinister about claw-like footprint with sharp toe nails, elongated toes and an odd mark on the heel.  This footprint trailed  down the  beach, right alongside all the others.

Yes, we can guess that someone needs a manicure real bad or perhaps someone was wearing some monster shaped flip flop,   but something else occurred to me.

Whether we want to admit it or not, the enemy walks among us, sometimes with us or behind us.  He waits for us to sin, to lose hope, to be tempted or to temp. He destroys marriages and relationships with everything from drinking, fighting, drugs, cult activity,  adultery, cheating, lying, deceiving and more.

Think of all the places this darkness lurks where evil “footprint” can’t be seen but can be felt. Often in my life, I’ve had a sensation of a “heaviness.” It could be in a home, hotel, bar or in the presence of certain people, feeling drained and having trouble breathing, feeling the need to take a deeper breath. Or perhaps, something just didn’t feel right, my stomach began to hurt. Could it be the presence of something dark ?

The only way to keep the enemy away is to keep God, Jesus Christ, at the very center of our lives, as the foundation for every aspect of our lives.  When we lose hope, when we are ready to throw in the towel and give up, turn to the Lord for help and strength! Not only that but we have to take ownership of our own actions and surround ourselves with positive friends and support, seek God through bible studies, church activities  and seek self-improvement activities. God can do a lot for us, but we also have to fight to make our lives better.

If you see the devil trying to tear up your life in anyway, pray for protection and guidance, read the word and stay clear of anything that the other side can feed on. Keep the Lord very close because the enemy is closer than you think. That scary footprint could be ready to make a mark in your life.

Regardless, what you think about this footprint in the sand, it is a very real reminder that evil exists and the devil is walking among us.  Something most of us just don’t want to think about at all!

Only through Christ, can we feel comfort and safety. God can bring in the tide and wash all that evil away, he can make positive changes in your life and in the life of others.   Just like the beautiful poem, “Footprints in the Sand,” we must call on God to stay close and to protect everything we know and love.

 Scripture of the Day: Peter 5:6-11

New International Version (NIV)⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.