Kudzu & Carp

Sin will invade our lives if we let it.

 
  

Have you noticed how we try to use something that is supposed to fix a problem and it sort of backfires on us.  Such is the case of Kudzu and Carp.  If you don’t know what Kudzu is, it is an invasive vine that was originally used to stop erosion in the United States.  It was introduced into the United States in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.  The problem with it is it can grow up to a foot per day and can climb trees, power poles, houses and just about anything that isn’t moving.  It also will destroy forests because it prevents trees from getting sunlight.

Then there is the Asian carp.  These fish were imported into the United States to control algae growth in lakes.  They can grow from three to seven feet long depending on the species, and weigh in at 60 to 150 pounds.  They also are jumpers.  They can jump 10 feet vertically and up to 20 feet horizontally and most of the jumping occurs when they are startled by fishing boats on lakes and often land in boats or hit passengers in the boats.  They also multiply very quickly which makes them a very invasive fish. 

Now I am sure you are wondering why I am talking about Kudzu and Carp in my devotional.  Well to answer that question, we often try to fix things in our lives just as we do in the environment and not always in a good way.  We use alcohol, drugs, money or any number of things to control or eliminate the pain in our lives.  And before we know it, whatever we use to try to fix our lives takes over and consumes us.  Satan is willing to use whatever it takes to keep our focus on anything but God and His will for our lives.  It is a constant battle that we must fight everyday and we need God’s strength to survive it.

Prayer for the Day: Heavenly Father, I am guilty of letting sin invade my life just like kudzu and carp invades our land and lakes.  I need your strength to help me overcome Satan's lies and invasion in my life.  Please help me to keep my eyes on you and not allow the sin in this world to distract me from my purpose here on earth. 


Scripture: One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them.  The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”  “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied.  “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” Job 1:6-11