There's a popular meme that frequently does the rounds on social media about the devil being afraid when certain people wake up. It always makes me laugh. It also makes me think. Long and hard.

Have you ever wondered whether the enemy of our souls is afraid of you? If no, then perhaps it's time to think about it.

We'd ideally all lead trouble-free lives, coasting along on a sea of calm without a care in the world. Trust me, I've been there. Still am on the occasional off-day! And truth be told, for the longest time I bargained with the very entity I should have been defying. Just for a peaceful life. I studiously avoided disturbing him, so that he in turn would not bother me.

It kinda didn't work.

And no, I am not blithely encouraging anyone to seek the behorned and behoofed one out on a whim and fancy. Let him stay in his lane. We, though, must wholeheartedly stay in God's in order to stand confidently and speak with the same conviction Ms Parks did.

Back on that pivotal day in 1955, she was minding her own business within the confines she had been limited to - the 'Coloured' section of a city bus.

I'm pretty sure she didn't leave home foreseeing a future as an icon of defiance. It was the end of a long day at work when most everyone's thoughts are of rest, repast and the comforts of home. The journey was just a means to an end.

However, a plethora of preferred passengers meant boundaries were redefined – with the other riders told to move further back.

Of the four who were affected, Ms Parks declined. When the bus driver (who, I should add, had previous form) threatened to call the police, she answered, "You may do that".

Those four words changed the course of her life and countless others, because she'd had enough.

I woke up one morning and I'd had enough. Of practically kowtowing to the devil by pursuing any form of Christianity that would place me in his crosshairs. I realised it was simply too high a price to pay to be comfortable and successful.

Has it been difficult? Indescribably so.

Yet I found harmony in giving in to God, which is what resisting the evil one is all about. In seeking, trusting, obeying and loving, we are defended on all sides, despite the seeming enormity of our woes.

Therefore, next time you feel prompted to act on something, please think of who might be affected by your “No” before you dismiss it. Ms Parks' resounding “Yes” was definitive, and Jim Crow eventually took flight.

I guess the question to ponder is whether we need to wait for breaking point, or cling to Jesus, our Rock, right now and let Him rout the great pretender in advance.

Oh the joys of free will...😎

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Rosa Louise McCauley Parks, American Civil Rights Activist, 04.02.1913-24.10.2005

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📖 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side.

Psalms 139:3‭-‬5 CEV (YouVersion)

📖 So, you must be very careful how you live. Live like people who are wise. Do not live like fools. Many bad things are happening in these days. So, whenever you have a chance to do something good, do as much as you can. Do not live like fools. But instead, understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Ephesians 5:15‭-‬17 EASY (YouVersion)

📖 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.

James 4:7‭-‬10 MSG (YouVersion)