I was awakened just now at 3:00 AM by the distinctive noise of a police helicopter circling our neighborhood. That hovering has always means a crime has been committed nearby. As frightening as that thought is, and knowing that a bad guy is on the run near us, there is something reassuring about the chopper noise and the bright floodlight from it that sweeps every corner of our yard and the yards of our neighbors.
I can only imagine if I were still an absent prodigal and my sleeping wife or any of our female standers who are alone would be awakened by the drone of a helicopter. Many would hurry to see that the doors of their homes were securely locked.
This same scenario, in a slightly different way is taking place at every home around the world right now and every hour of every day. The evil one, Satan, is committing his destructive acts as he attempts to bring down every marriage. What are many spouses doing about this? They are opening doors to allow the enemy in, without realizing what harm they are exposing their family to.
I know, because this is what happened to our family years ago. Sneak in a video to watch while Charlyne was at work, or a one-time fling, who would ever know? It won't hurt anyone-or would it? One night out with the guys to another part of town? It is what every guy is doing. I did not know the evil one was on the prowl, looking for a way to get into our family, and I was opening the door to him each time an immoral act was committed.
The people who study crime tell us that criminal acts are progressive. Minor crimes result is more severe crimes being committed, until the person becomes a career criminal. The same is true of sin. All the time, our Lord God is shining His illumination on our family in an attempt to rout out sins of destruction. A person who becomes a prodigal is one who has been operating in the shadows, attempting to avoid God's revealing Light.
Family restoration takes place after a prodigal who has been running from God surrenders and confesses. He or she must repent, or turn away, from what they have been doing. God's rehabilitation rate is 100% when a prodigal is sincere. Be warned that the prodigal may return home in an attempt to hide from God's light, but when people are praying, even then God's conviction becomes more intense, until the prodigal repents.
The helicopter noise overhead and the spotlights are gone. Hopefully the evil one stalking our streets has been captured and bound. Charlyne and I know the evil one now, and recognize his attempts to destroy all our families. When he appears, we now call on our Protector, our Lord God.
I feel secure and am going back to sleep.
