There he sat, crouched amid the plants on my sunporch, awaiting some unwitting bird who would come for breakfast at the birdfeeder outside the window over his head.  I could not help but smile in amusement.  He—my very own Puddy Tat—lives up to his namesake.  He loves to sit endlessly in wait of his “Tweety Bird” so that he can jump up and try to grab him, failing to realize there is a barrier separating them.

You may remember the cartoon characters Tweety Bird and Sylvester. Poor Sylvester never had a chance. Tweety Bird always managed to outwit him. It was almost as if he had a special sense that protected him. “I think I see a Puddy Tat,” he would often say. If those birds could talk, I’ll bet they would say the same thing!

Images from 1 Peter 5:8 spring to mind as I watch him:

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)

Fortunately for the Christian, we have an invisible barrier protecting us just like that window protects the unsuspecting bird from the claws of my big fat cat, but our barrier has a name. His name is Jesus—the one who died for us and provides a barrier for us from the evil one.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  Puddy Tat is not a bad cat.  He just does what cats do—chase birds and other critters.  For the poor bird, though, it would be devastating if he could reach him.

Satan and his demons, on the other hand, are evil.  According to the Scriptures, “The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 NKJV)

It is important for us to remember that while Satan cannot take the souls of believers, he can torment us and keep us from enjoying the abundant life Jesus promised. The solution to our dilemma when Satan rears his ugly head? Run to the Savior! Tweety Bird had Grannie who looked after him. We have a Savior waiting to protect us! The Scriptures tell us what to do.

“The Lord is like a strong tower. Those who do what is right can run to him for safety.” (Proverbs 4:7 ICB)

Flee—run–don’t dally! I can assure you that those birds sitting on my bird feeder do not linger when my cat hits the window. No, they fly away—fast! That’s what we must do. When we are confronted with evil, we need to run.

Several years ago my husband Gerry and I were with a group of youth at a rally, and the speaker spoke on this passage. I will never forget his illustration. As he stood on the stage six feet above the auditorium’s floor, he said he would demonstrate what it meant to flee. He suddenly jumped off the stage and raced down the center aisle and out the back door. The speed with which he ran was incredible. It was as if the Savior stood outside the door and he wanted to fly into his arms of protection as quickly as possible. That’s what we must do when Satan comes visiting—run to the Savior who waits for us with open arms!

And what about unbelievers who do not yet have a Savior?

The Word gives them a way to Divine Protection as well, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”

The bottom line? Whether you are a believer or an unbeliever, the source of protection from Satan and his minions is Jesus Christ. Thank God we have a barrier to protect us! May we never forget there is freedom in Jesus Christ!

What about you? Ever experienced protection from the Evil One?  Care to share? I would love to hear from you!