Do you think it was the Himalayan stick?

Many years back, we traveled to Northern India on holiday.

Nestled among the thick forests, the snow-covered Himalayan mountains are majestic and mesmerising.

The hilly charm, the cold weather, taste buds enticing you for hot steaming food, the pearly drizzle of snow over the mountains is an experience to be cherished.

During one of our mountain top adventures, we met a native tribal man who lived on these mountains and used a wooden stick as his snow anchor. This handmade D-I-Y snow picket fascinated us.

It was made of hard wood, chiseled craft fully, and smoothened enough for a good, safe grip. We requested the elderly man to sell it to us. He hesitated initially but agreed and we carried it back home after our holiday, as a memento.

Recently, when my daughter and I were walking our pet, an aggressive stray dog kept following us, snarling, and growling.

This stray would target pet dogs and had gained renown to attack with stealth. This threat caused some of the pet owners to stop taking their dogs for a walk in the open areas and instead take them onto the terrace of our apartment.

We preferred to walk in the open areas, and I remembered our Himalayan stick which I decided to carry for defence.

Then one day, when my elder son, our daughter and I were walking our pet, the stray dog caught us off guard and charged with sudden speed.

The attack was quick and came when we were least expecting.

There was no time to think or strategize a way to drive it away.

I had the Himalayan stick with me. Impulsively I hurled the stick towards the attacking dog.

‘Be careful. Don’t break that  stick’, my son called out.

The shout from my mouth was different, ‘Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world’.

The stray dog got scared and took off.

Ever since, all I do is point the stick whenever that dog comes our way, and it immediately disappears from our sight.

The Book of first John encourages us to be strong.

There are harmful spirits that may be around, and the Spirit of God is able to defeat every other spirit.

God’s Spirit is also able to take away fear, expose hidden enemies and can give us victory over every threat and problem.

The cleansing work of Jesus on the Cross made room for the Spirit of God to enter our lives. Therefore, John wrote, ‘Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.’

Are you facing threat, fear, or attacks in your life?

Is someone or something annoying you?

Are circumstances attempting to kill your confidence?

Are situations forcing you to compromise?

Are you being bullied?

Is anyone trying to hurt you?

Do Not Fret. Do not worry. Do not be afraid.

Instead, look to the Cross and remember the work that has already been accomplished. Invite the Holy Spirit into your life, into your situations, then proclaim with all your might right in the middle of your challenge, ‘Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.’

You too will instantly find strength to deal with the problem that is bothering you.

What do you think?

Was it the Himalayan stick that did the trick?

I don’t think so. It was the power that arose based on my declaration that the greater one lives inside of me.

The next time you face a challenge, no matter what, try 1 John 4:4.

It works!

Bible verse:

 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 4:4 (New King James Version)