wrestling a tiger shark

This morning I watched a news story about a man who wrestled a 15 foot tiger shark for two hours.  He was snorkeling with friends on a tuna fishing outing.  I listened to their story and thought about the dangerous journey we are on.

How to avoid having to wrestle a tiger shark (temptation).

 

1. Don't assume it will never happen to me!

We have to participate in a dangerous activity by waking up and facing the day.  There are countless elements of life that are lurking in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to make food of our souls.

The "I'll never fall for that temptation" attitude is dangerous.  If King David (a man after God's own heart, 1Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22) could fall into such profound sin - it would be best for me not to be so arrogant to assume that I can't.

Humility in my obedience would be a much better move.  I don't have to fall into traps of the enemy – but I could. 

 

2. The current may not be helping!

The current took him to the place of danger.  There is a current in entertainment, priorities, government, religion, and even relationships that is dangerous to our well being… it may be popular, it may be normal – but it's dangerous to your soul.

Let God evaluate the direction of the current you are in.

 

3.  Stay close to friends!

The problem started when one of the three was taking some photos.  His quote was,

"I drifted away from the guys."  The current that he was in took him away from the safety of people helping keep an eye out for danger.  A lot of trouble in our lives could be avoided if we stayed close to each other and the Holy Spirit.

If I don't have friends that would help me fight and defeat the shark – I need new friends.

 

4.  Be armed! (Ephesians 6:11)

Spear guns come in handy.  Paul knew that people in the church would come across times when death would love to put its teeth marks on them.  His counsel was to never swim through life without a sword (Ephesians 6:17). 

There is a big difference between knowing about the Bible and knowing the Bible.

 

5. Fish in a different place!

If I'm finding myself overwhelmed with the constant presence of sharks when I go swimming… this isn't rocket science – stop swimming there!  If I can't control my mind when I watch that program – turn it off!  If I always end up compromising when I'm with those people – don't be with them!  If I get angry every time I read that letter – stop reading the letter!  If I over eat every time I go to the buffet – stop going to the buffet!  If pornography finds its way to my computer when I turn it on – use the stupid computer for a planter!  If___________ then _____________.

 

Summary:

In the end they ended up having to kill the shark rather than the shark killing them.

"Lord, today I am facing the temptation to____________________.  Let me learn and stand in victory because of your power working through me.  Give me the strength to defeat this temptation and the wisdom to know how to avoid it again."

 

Married to Leah, Engaged to Jesus,

Pastor Dave