The enemy loves it when he can play games with us. One game he particularly enjoys engaging us in is what I call "shadowboxing." This is a gambit that Satan uses to divert our attention from the big important issues in life by "setting up" sneak attacks in little areas.

Maybe you have experienced this pattern in your life. All of a sudden, a rash of petty nuisances start cropping up ... something with the car, the home or the bank account. Then, while you are focusing all your attention on these problems, you find that an important meeting, one with spiritual significance, was somehow overlooked.

I must confess that even during the time I spent on some of the diversionary problems, something in my spirit was saying, "look out ... you're missing something," but, no, I was too busy. I couldn't take the time to let the Lord show me what Satan was doing ... diverting my attention from something important.

So Satan can get us "shadowboxing" against these minor offenses, and if he can divert our attention to cause us to overlook a big attack against us or our family until it hits, he's winning the skirmish! We don't want that!

As Peter reminds us: Be careful - watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks ... (1 Peter 5:8, 9, TLB).

Forgive me, dear Jesus, for not recognizing the game the devil was playing with me today ... getting me embroiled in "shadowboxing" against the small nuisances of worldly life. Help me discern what the deceptive hand of Satan is doing and become better armed against his weapons, large and small. Thank You for keeping my mind on Your priorities tomorrow, realizing that even as I battle, the victory has already been won! In Jesus' Name, Amen.