Monday Morning Possum Standoff

5 AM I let my large dog outside and suddenly he's barking incessantly. I flipped on the flood lights and there was a large possum hissing and showing his teeth to my 100 pound guard dog.

Poor neighbors; because I was yelling louder than the dog was barking. "Forget sleep....the Martins are at terror pitch." Finally my screams got through to my dog and he sheepishly drug himself into the house. He has stayed by my side since the incident. Now who's guarding whom?

I expected the hissing possum to run off, but no, he just sat there motionless. An hour later and he was still sitting in the same position. "Playing possum" came to mind and I recalled the only true defense a healthy possum has is playing dead or sick. I was concerned that he might be rabid, so that was why I was so insistent on my dog coming in.

I live in a city subdivision with shopping strips, churches and schools within 2 blocks of my home. Wooden areas are on two sides of my house. I've accepted the deer that occassionally stroll through my yard, but this is my first possum visit.

Watching that possum hold his own while my huge dog threatened him was amazing. He just pulled into himself and occassionally hissed and showed his teeth. It worked. He totally fooled my dog to the point that the dog came running home to momma.

It came to me that the Bible instructs us to look to Almighty God for our protection and strength. Apostle Paul spelled out spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6. In vesrse 13: Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

I have some thoughts on "standing firm," but I am hoping you will comment on your revelations on this Christian principle.

What do you believe this scripture means...to stand firm?

What are you finding working for you in spiritual warfare to stand firm?

What puzzles you in "standing firm?"