The Weight of a Straw

Sometimes the enemy only needs a feather to trip us—unless we’re walking in the One who never stumbles.

Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven on Earth by A.B. Simpson
Photo Credit: Unsplash

Today’s reflection by A. B. Simpson brings our attention to the subtlety of spiritual warfare. Satan doesn’t always come at us with overwhelming attacks. Sometimes, he simply tosses a straw in our path — and if we’re not discerning, that tiny obstruction can cause a fall.

The devotion draws from the image of the Jebusites taunting David, claiming even the blind and the lame could hold him off. In the same way, the enemy mocks us when we fall not in battle, but in trivial things — a hasty word, a moment of pride, a stubborn preference. These “little” stumbling blocks often trip us more effectively than major temptations.

Simpson also highlights how Satan distorts our view of God’s blessings. He casts shadows of distaste or offense over them, using foolish prejudice or emotional reactions to blind us. In doing so, he keeps us from embracing the very things God intends as gifts.

The heart of this message is simple: Stay awake to the seemingly small. Don’t allow the enemy to rob you of blessings by making you bristle at trivial discomforts or personal biases. Stand firm in who is within you — the One who is greater than the world.

Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

I dwell in you, little one. My life in you is greater than anything the enemy might throw in your path — even when it comes as nothing more than a whisper, a feather, a fleeting annoyance. I do not measure victory by outward size, but by inward rest.

You are more than a conqueror through Me. When small irritations come, remain in Me. When prejudice rises, let My love subdue it. The peace I give is not like the world gives — it steadies your mind and calms your reactions.

Be vigilant, not fearful. The weapons of your warfare are not of the flesh but are mighty in Me to demolish even the smallest foothold of darkness. Take every thought captive. You walk in the Spirit now, and the flesh no longer has dominion.

I have given you eyes to see blessing where the enemy casts offense. I am your discernment. I am your stability. Walk in step with Me, and you will not stumble over the straw.

(Scripture references: 1 John 4:4; Romans 8:37; John 14:27; 2 Corinthians 10:4–5; Galatians 5:16; Romans 6:14)

Real-Life Analogy

You’ve probably walked into a room with a strong smell — maybe something you normally enjoy, like freshly brewed coffee — but because your mood was off or your senses were overwhelmed, you suddenly found it unappealing. What was once delightful now seems irritating. That shift didn’t come from the coffee—it came from within.

In the same way, a blessing can be right in front of us, but a small inner irritation or false perception, often planted by the enemy, can cause us to misread it and turn away. The issue isn’t the blessing itself — it’s the filter we’re using in that moment.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, thank You that I do not need to brace for spiritual attack with fear or suspicion. You are already victorious in me. I rejoice that even the smallest distractions, annoyances, or temptations are no match for Your Spirit who indwells me. I will not despise small things, nor stumble over straws. I trust You to keep my eyes clear and my spirit responsive to Your leading, even when Your blessings are wrapped in discomfort. I rest in the truth that greater are You in me than anything that rises against me today.