Lessons from a Mom and her Disobedient Young Part III

The “Coyotes” of Disobedience
Acts 20:3, 19, 29
“…where he stayed three months. Because the Jews made a plot against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia…I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews…I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.”

Here we learn from Paul how important it is to listen and do exactly what the Lord tells you. Two different times we see Paul’s “coyotes” lying wait for him in this passage, the Jews (Acts 20: 3, 19). It was no secret that the Jews wanted Paul dead, and throughout all his missionary journeys the Lord guided him around and through many dangers. Sometimes Paul had to sit tight and sometimes he had to sail through the raging seas. He obeyed the Lord no matter the situation. Also in this same chapter, Paul speaks of different “coyotes”, false teachers. In Acts 20:29 he speaks of grievous wolves not sparing any, and goes on to say they will speak perverse things drawing many away from the truth.

For the Christian we have many coyotes that are looking for us and waiting for us to step outside the protective will of our Lord. Just like the little fawn in our story. His mother showed him where to hide and how long to stay. But as soon as the little guy stepped out of the place of safety, the coyote was ready to attack. As many “coyotes” that were trailing after him, just one wrong step and Paul would have been in the same shape as our little fawn.

Satan and his armies are lying wait to strike at any time. So obedience to God’s Will and Word is crucial for any Christian today. God’s warnings are clear. Beware of the “coyotes” of life. The most dangerous place for a Christian is living outside God’s Will. However, the safest place for a Christian is living inside God’s Will. Where do you stand today?


In the four devotions we will look to the scriptures and find some insight on the importance of being obedient to the Lord, as well as:
1. The Cautions of Disobedience - Part I
2. The Carelessness of Disobedience – Part II
3. The “Coyotes” of Disobedience – Part III
4. The Cost of Disobedience – Part IV

Posted by Mark Newell