Blindsided
Blindsided
I've always found this to be a curious word and yet for many situations in our lives, it is an accurate description. One definition is:
”to surprise unpleasantly".
I absolutely love surprises! I don't know about you, though, but to me, an unpleasant surprise is always unwelcome and usually throws me off balance, emotionally. It's hard to imagine always being prepared for any and every situation, so in the normal course of life, there are bound to be days that seem to catch us off guard.
How do we respond when we receive bad news or sad news or unpleasant news?
Do we crumble immediately?
Do we lash out in anger?
Do we look for someone else to blame or point the finger at?
Do we dissolve into tears?
Do we immediately start trying to find an answer?
Do we seek revenge?
Do we run away and bury our heads in the sand?
Do we gloat at another's misfortune?
Do we become full of pride and adopt a haughty attitude?
What about today? Did you experience something that seemed completely “out of the blue"? Were you blindsided?
Scripture tells us to “Be sober, be vigilant for your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he shall devour”.
(1 Peter 5:8)
Basically, we should be on our guard every single day. There is an enemy who seeks our destruction or at the very least, our downfall. So it’s not a matter of IF we will be blindsided, but WHEN.
In 1 Peter 5 Scripture talks about submitting to God and to one another and resisting the enemy. It’s sound advice for daily living and it would be foolish to ignore.
Ephesians 6: 10-29 says:
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
It’s clear from this passage that it’s the enemy that actually blindsides us. It’s not your family, or your boss or your coworker, although it may appear that way at first. If someone is not submitted first to God and then to each other, then chaos is certain to ensue. Minor disagreements can turn into full blown confrontation and before you know it, accusations are flying and feelings are wounded. I’m not sure if it is possible to avoid being unpleasantly surprised 100% of the time, but I do believe we can at least practice the art of preparedness. As a good soldier prepares for battle, we too can prepare our hearts and minds each day by drawing close to God and allowing Him to direct our steps for the day. In doing so, I have learnt to exchange being blindsided for being pleasantly surprised at how God works all things together for my good, even when the enemy sneaks in a gut-punch. (Romans 8:28.)