Devotions From The FarmhouseExemplo

An Encounter with Bees

Albert was excited about his new beehive. A beekeeper friend from church, Bob, helped Albert set up his hive, and then he guided the bees he’d brought for Albert into their new home. Bob shared valuable information about handling the honey bees and gave Albert instructions about what to do, but he was so mesmerized watching the bees that he didn’t hear half of it. A few days later, he went out to tend to the bees. He donned his bee suit, put the helmet and veil over his head, and slipped on the gloves. Albert walked up the hill to the hive and removed the top. He worked for a few minutes and then let out a bloodcurdling yell. When his wife looked out the window, she saw him running down the hill towards the creek with a cloud of bees following him. Getting in the water helped him lose them, but he didn’t escape unscathed. You see, he hadn’t listened to the instructions, and he’d put the bee suit on incorrectly. The bees had gotten inside the veil and his clothes, stinging him as he tried to escape. Not listening well to the instructions caused a painful situation for Albert, and not listening to God’s instructions can cause pain for us as well. Reading our Bibles and listening for God’s voice will shield us from getting stung by situations that will harm us. And just as wearing the bee suit properly would have protected Albert, wearing God’s armor of righteousness will protect us.

Lord, help me to listen to your instructions and to wear your armor well.