Enough is enough. Those small, bright green tree frogs are really cute when they’re hanging on the outside of your widow by their little suction-cupped feet. They’re even cute when you open the front door and one is sitting there waiting, hoping to be let in. But when they start invading my space, they’re looking at cute in the rear view.
We have no clue how they’re getting in the house, but over the last few weeks I’ve found about a dozen inside. Some are already dead – and a quite a bit dehydrated – when I find them. Like the one hanging out from underneath the dishwasher and the one on the window sill between the glass and the plantation shutter.
Others are still very much alive and hopping like the one in the house plant. And the one I chased down the hall. And the one my son found on his toilet seat when he came home for a visit. And friends, that bathroom is upstairs!
I told my husband he should replace that black, strippy stuff around the back door. I think they’re getting through the gap between the double doors. There are a lot in the yard. We have dozens of trees, so I guess the tree frogs take that as an invitation to make themselves at home. I just wish they’d stay in the yard.
But as of today, I declare a frog war. I guess I should be thankful that my frog problem isn’t like the plague in Exodus 8. Those poor Egyptians had frogs in their bedrooms and ovens and kneading troughs. In fact, verse 4 said the frogs would be on the people.
It didn’t take long for Pharaoh to be done with the frogs though. God had sent the plague because Pharaoh wouldn’t let the children of Israel leave Egypt. But when the frogs leaped into his bed he called for Moses.
Pharaoh called in Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to God to rid us of these frogs. I’ll release the people so that they can make their sacrifices and worship God.”
Exodus 8:8, The Message
So Moses prayed and God killed off all the frogs. But no sooner had the Egyptians swept the last ones out of their homes, Pharaoh had a change of heart.
But when Pharaoh saw that he had some breathing room, he got stubborn again and wouldn’t listen to Moses and Aaron. Just as God had said.
Exodus 8:15, The Message
Pharaoh only yielded to God because the palace was overrun with frogs. As soon as things were frog free, he went right back to his stubborn, disobedient ways.
Unfortunately, many Christians are like that too. When times are hard, we cry out to God, ready to do whatever He asks if only He will get rid of the frogs. But when life is easy again, we forget about God and do our own thing. Until the gnats fly in.
What about you? Do you find it easier to obey God in hard times or easy times? Have you ever cried out to God in trials and then forgotten Him when things were easier?
I find it easier to obey God when I am regularly in the Word & spending time in prayer. It’s almost effortless at times because I am already in-tuned to His will. I know this perhaps sounds super-spiritual and maybe even arrogant, but I am really just trying to express how much these habits keep me on the right track. When I lose focus, I struggle obeying Him. I know I have to keep my focus, and I can’t let up on my daily disciplines. I certainly cry out to Him more in trials and then pulled back in easier times. But again, being in His Word helps me be more consistent even in good times.
Kari, you are so right! And your testimony does not sound arrogant at all. Just that you’ve recognized your need for God!