Night Coon Hunting

It didn’t take long in my marriage for me to realize I would spend many lonely nights because I married a coon hunter. My husband came into our marriage with many coon dogs and he and his friends ventured through the woods in hopes of treeing a coon.

This one particular night, we had an unexpected guest show up at our house just before Joe was leaving for a hunt. We had to call the police concerning this situation. At that point, I was afraid to stay by myself. I quickly dressed in the warmest thing I had and went with the guys.

My Foot Caught a Root

My attitude was not good. I was so cold and there I was stomping through the forest wishing I were not there. At some point in the night, I pulled my arms out of the sleeves of my coat and held them close to my body. Then it happened. My foot caught in a root and down I went, face forward. Have you ever seen a tree fall? That is sort of how I looked. My arms were trapped in my coat and I just fell. To make matters worse, I couldn’t get up. My husband had the audacity to laugh which made matters worse.

The Root like Temptation

I Corinthians 10:12-13, NKJV, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

That night I was angry, distracted and cold. I didn’t notice my step. That root is like temptation. All of a sudden it shows up and because we are not mindful of God, maybe distracted by life, not spending time in the word and filling of the Holy Spirit, we trip and succumb to that temptation. We may not notice those watching. Some may laugh because they are waiting for a Christian to fall. Some may gossip and belittle a person. Your family and close friends will be affected by your choices.

Walk Glorifying God

Romans 3:23, NKJV, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

We all fall at one time or another. As a matter of fact, it is impossible to stand to the glory of God all the time. We are sinners. Only by the strength of the Holy Spirit can we walk glorifying God.

Lift up Your Friends

Ecclesiastes 4:10, NKJV, “For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”

Do you lift up your friends when they fall? The Bible clearly states we are to encourage and edify one another. To me, it is so important to be a part of a church family. Yes, a family of sinners, but people who come together to worship God. Imperfect, but seeking to love each other and be loved. Encourage and be encouraged. To lift up and be lifted.

Watch for the Roots of Temptation

My husband survived that night after he laughed. I’m sure life with me was unpleasant for awhile. I’m thankful when we as Christians fall, that God loves us and through His mercy and grace we are forgiven. Watch out for those roots, stay close to God glorifying Him in your walk. When you see another fall, help them up in love because you may be the one next in need.

Selah “The Lord’s Prayer”

Paula Wallace

Additional Reading:

From the Stump and Root