“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)

Last week, our daughter looked out the back window of her home to a horror-movie sight—a paper hornets’ nest under construction on her birdfeeder. 

The discovery meant only one thing…she needed to call an exterminator. Even if she had a long-range insecticide sprayer, she wouldn’t have had time to retreat indoors before being exposed to an attack. Only someone covered in protective gear would have the ability to approach and annihilate the colony.

Hornets are among the most vicious creatures alive on our planet. Unlike bees, they can sting over and over without losing their stingers, and their venom is more toxic in producing an allergic reaction. 

Stings from individual hornets are very painful to humans and animals. Threats to a nest, however, stir up the entire colony into assault mode. They will chase down their targets at lightning speed. With a potential of up to 700 workers in a nest, the situation can rapidly turn from painful to fatal.¹ Hornets, combined with wasps and bees, are responsible for killing an average of 72 people annually in the U.S.²

What can you do if you unexpectedly face these deadly creatures on the attack? 

There’s only one option: run. Flee as quickly as you can to the closest building or vehicle where you can shut them out. Don’t jump into water—the hornets will just wait for you to surface. If you’re stung only once, wash the site and press ice to it; if you’re stung multiple times, get immediate medical attention, even calling 911 if necessary.³

So many times in our lives, we find ourselves similarly in the presence of a spiritual hornets’ nest. Our faith comes under attack in all sorts of ways when we least anticipate it. 

An ordinary meeting at the office quickly degenerates into verbal hostility. A family member turns abusive under the effects of alcohol. Trusted neighbors slander your children with malicious rumors. Vile comments on social media sling ugliness at Christian endeavors. Or, if you’re in a nation where tyranny is running rampant, the ravages of war lords destroy your home and loved ones. 

Much of the time, your only choice is flight. Without protection, you have no defense against the deceit and destructive forces of Satan. 

You have the potential for survival, though, if you can prepare ahead of time. 

First, be observant for threats. Most hornet nests are hidden in trees or sometimes underground, but if you see one in plain sight, you can avoid it. Keep an eye out for the situations in your life that have the potential to be the devil’s “hangouts.” Don’t go looking for trouble in his encampments.

Next, pray. Knowing who to call for help in fighting hornets is important. Likewise, go to the One who has the power and strength to back you up in the spiritual battles. Ask Him for guidance and divine safeguards from His Holy Spirit.

Finally, suit up with the covering of God. Only those who have all the protective gear can safely approach a nest of angry wasps. Put on the full armor of God—especially the “breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation”—so that you may be able to withstand the fiery darts thrown at you. Be ready to wield the “sword of the Spirit”—know what His word says and how He wants you to respond. (See Ephesians 6:10-18.)

Recognize that you will encounter persecution if you follow Jesus. Do you know Him as the One who will go with you into battle? Do you love Him enough to serve Him in spite of the attacks? Do you trust Him to get you through the pain and suffering?

The exterminators who were called to our daughter’s home conquered the hornets. Our daughter threw the entire feeder, nest, and occupants into the trash can. All destroyed, all gone…a victory that was costly but necessary for the well-being of our daughter and her little dog. 

Likewise, Satan’s minions cannot prevail against the power of our risen Savior. Call upon Jesus today as you face spiritual challenges. He will be your Victor when you seek His loving care. 

Jesus, mighty God and King, be my defense in today’s battles. Prepare me for the attacks and persecution I will face in serving You. Be my Righteousness, my Salvation, my Shield, and my Sword in the fight. Bless me with Your victory every day against the wiles of Satan. In Your name, O Christ, Amen.

Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her weekly blogs are featured on Crossmap.com. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at http://lightbournecreative.com and subscribe at the bottom. 

© Copyright 2024 Nancy C. Williams, Lightbourne Creative (text and photography–with Elizabeth Williams) Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

#hornets #hornetnest #whattodowithhornets #hornetstings #papernests #paperwasps #toxicstings

¹https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornet

²https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7227a6.htm#:~:text=*%20Deaths%20from%20hornet%2C%20wasp%2C,of%2072%20deaths%20per%20year)

³https://cms.agr.wa.gov/WSDAKentico/Documents/Pubs/833-AsianGiantHornet-FactSheet-Hikers.pdf