Life comes with many challenges, big and small. And perhaps much of this we can contribute to the normal ups and downs and the random luck of life in this world. But often there’s more going on than what meets the eye. And it’s helpful to see the dragons and nits for what they are so that we don’t lose heart.
Dragons are the big traumatic events of life that shake our faith to the core. This might be a cancer diagnosis, infidelity or divorce, or the death of a child. Whatever it looks like, there’s no denying their presence as dragons turn our world upside down.
On the other hand, nits are those relatively small nuisances that wear us down over time, or when they seem to happen all at once. It’s the death by a thousand paper cuts. For example, this might be the flat tire, broken pipes, canceled appointment, or the like. It’s nothing earth shattering, but easy to grow weary when it seems like there’s always something we have to deal with.
And evil will use both dragons and nits to get us to lose heart and distrust God’s goodness toward us personally. In many ways, it’s easier to guard our hearts against the dragons because they’re so clearly seen. And it’s usually easier for others to support us in these moments as well. The nits are often particularly effective in taking us out because they’re subtle and can be easily explained away as just coincidences. But their constant nagging eventually leaves us discouraged and on the verge of despair.
While it’s possible our major heartaches and everyday challenges are just a normal part of life, it’s important to consider how evil might still use these events to harden our hearts toward God and each other.
In the end, don’t lose heart when the dragons and nits of this life pay you a visit. They’re trying to hold you back from God’s best. Resist – standing firm in your faith.
