So be as shrewd as snakes...
Several nights ago I had a recurring dream that I was walking outside and suddenly there were snakes everywhere. I've had this dream many times over the years and I've never understood why. The difference this time is that I was about to be bitten by a venemous snake and I abruptly awoke.
Asking The Lord the following morning, "What does this dream mean?", He immediately said, "The snakes represent the enemy and his demons." Once I was over the shock of such an immediate answer, I realized that's EXACTLY what it was! The dream was a picture of the spiritual reality of life on this fallen earth. He also quickly reminded me that we have been given His authority over it.
We, indeed, do walk among "serpents and scorpions", but Jesus said in Luke 10:19, "Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them, nothing will harm you."
Battles are raging in the spiritual realm around us. We need to be armored up (Ephesians 6:10-18) and on the offense. Jesus is our Protector and He already conquered the enemy. Remaining close to Him is our best battle plan.
But I also believe this dream is relevant to the times we are living in now. God reveals what is to come if we are willing to be listening. He warns us through His word, as well as through His Holy Spirit in various ways, including dreams. His purpose in forewarning is that we seek Him and agree with Him in prayer for His will to come, NOT that we get in fear. Fear is only from the enemy!
This dream felt like such a warning because what could have happened did not. I awoke before being bitten. Spiritually, it was a picture of God's mercy and protection. I believe God the Father is warning His children to draw unto Him like never before. The days we are in are days of intense spiritual battle. If we are not in constant communication with The Lord we will be blindsided by the enemy. This is a time when often what we see with our physical eyes and hear with our physical ears is deceiving. God is our only source of truth! This is a time when believers must be like the Israelites who protected their homes and families with the lamb's blood on their door frames. We are saved by the blood of the Spotless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ and we find our peace and protection under that blood.
I think, most importantly, this dream is a reminder to trust our Heavenly Father no matter the circumstances in which we may find ourselves. He LOVES us and that perfect love casts out all fear!
*The following are scriptures the Holy Spirit reminded me of as I prayed over my dream:
"For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12
"This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For The Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
"Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
"But You, O Lord, laugh at them; You hold all the nations in derision. O my strength, I will watch for You, for You, O God, are my fortress. My God, in His steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies." Psalm 59:8-10
"In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out My Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.'" Acts 2:17
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