Stepping Stones: The Slow Squeeze of Death

Transformational Tip
I once watched a TV special on pythons…you know, those big snakes. They are fascinating; they actually swallow their prey whole. The TV program showed a giant python swallowing and digesting a whole calf. What I found most fascinating was the way in which the python actually killed their prey. Like most people I thought they simply “crushed” their victims…squeeze them to death. Not so. They suffocate their victims. They slowly coil around the victim, many times while the victim is sleeping. Each time the victim exhales the python gently tightens their grip. After a few exhales the snake has restricted the victim’s ability to inhale and then they suffocate.

Satan works very much like a python to destroy souls. He doesn’t crush us with one powerful squeeze, he doesn’t take us out with one blow; he slowly and gently wraps himself around our minds and souls and begins the suffocation process. Instead of depriving us of oxygen, he deprives us of God…leading to our spiritual death.

Today, be aware of Satan’s possible grip on you. Are you finding it hard to inhale? Feeling short of breath? Unlike the python, Satan is easily removed. Resist and Rebuke him and all his works, accept Jesus as you savior…and watch the enemy lose his grip. Say today’s prayer, it is a prayer of salvation. If you are a Christian, apply the reality and magnitude of the Christmas story to today’s worry.

Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on Satan’s slow squeeze of death.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for trying to live my life without You. I need and ask for Your forgiveness. I know I cannot save myself and need a Savior. I believe by faith and not through anything I can do, that Jesus, Your Son, died on the cross to be my Savior. I believe He paid the penalty for my sin for me. I believe He rose from the grave to conquer death, sin, and sin’s separation of me from You. I trust You, Jesus, as my personal Savior, receive You as my Lord, and I turn from my sinful ways. Oh God, thank You for Your grace in forgiving my sins, coming into my life, being with me forever. Now help me make You the King of my life. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.
Daniel 11:32
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7