Living with a son who is obsessed by snakes is an adventure by itself, especially when one day two boa constrictors, who had previously been confined to the son's room, decided to seek their long-lost freedom!

In the past two devotionals, I introduced a very special friend: one who, much to the exasperation of his parents, was obsessed with-Snakes!

My friend's dad wasn't too amused when the Boa Constrictors returned from South America with their son. He was even less amused when the snakes disappeared . . .

"How could anyone lose a Boa Constrictor?" He demanded. "They aren't that small, if you know what I mean!"

"No," responded the son honestly. "They aren't small, but they ARE cozy!"

"Cozy enough to squeeze the breath out of you!" answered the irritated dad.

The entire family was soon involved in a frantic search of the house and backyard, but it was to no avail. The Boas were nowhere to be found! No snakes under the bed, none in the trees, zero in the cupboard, nothing but ants in the kitchen drawer... Wait a minute! Ants in the kitchen drawer? "We have to get rid of these ants!" exclaimed the not-so-happy mom. "Just as soon as we find those snakes!"

What a perfect Sunday activity! And all for nothing. Evening found the entire family huddled in the living room, needing toothpicks to keep their eyes open. "Where could they be?" exclaimed my snake-loving friend. "We've searched everywhere, even in the attic! How can you lose two mature Boas?"

No one had an answer, and everyone headed for bed. Tomorrow would be another adventuresome day of searching.

When all of the kids were finally tucked in, it was mom and dad's turn to finally fall into their own bed. "Wait a minute!" exclaimed the mother as she crawled under the covers. "Get your legs on your own side of the bed!"

But the dad was having his own concerns: "Why are your legs so slimy tonight, dear?" He wondered aloud.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhs!"

The two jumped out of bed in unison and ripped off the sheets. There they were, neatly cuddled together at the foot of the bed: The missing Boa Constrictors! What perfect bed companions!

The Bible often refers to the devil to a serpent: "…that ancient serpent called the devil…" (Rev 12:9 NIV) Just like these two Boas, he is on the loose on our planet, and he can and will be found in the most unexpected places, at the most unexpected time. One thing for sure: he does NOT have our best interest at heart, and he will lie through his teeth to have dominion over us. "When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44 NIV)

Stand firm then, and be aware of his tactics. Rely solely on God's Spirit who will give you victory. And whatever you do, do NOT believe the lies the serpent will be telling you! Remember they are lies! Powerful lies that, if believed, can destroy your entire life!

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:8-11 NIV)

Would you like to borrow my friend's Boa Constrictors for some special training?

Rob Chaffart