“You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.’”

Psalm 91:13–14 NLT

I had a life-changing opportunity to go on a mission trip along with my church to a rural part of South India. That trip deepened my desire to commit and serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

The church we visited was located near a sugarcane field, and the minister’s house stood right in the middle of it. The church didn’t even have a solid floor—it was filled with sand. It looked like a very humble place of worship, yet the believers there were rich in love and on fire for God.

It was a retreat for young girls, and the invitation had gone out to several nearby villages. Despite some incidents that prevented public transportation, the girls still managed to come—by walking, cycling, or carpooling on motorbikes. We had a wonderful time ministering to them. They were fed with spiritual food and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Later that afternoon, we were invited to have lunch at the minister’s home. The path to his house was narrow and muddy, surrounded on both sides by sugarcane. We had to walk carefully.

While we were having lunch, I noticed a photo on the wall and asked when it was taken. It was a picture of the minister posing with a huge, dead poisonous cobra—more than seven feet long! Curious, we asked him to tell us more.

Because they lived in the middle of the fields, snakes were a common sight. He shared how once a snake had grabbed a duck right before their eyes, and how they often found snakes near their doorstep or even in the bathroom.

I grew terrified just listening, wondering what would happen if a snake were under the table where we sat. Yet his two teenage children, who were serving us lunch, seemed completely unbothered. We asked, “Weren’t you scared?” Their immediate response was, “No, not at all! We have Jesus Christ with us.”

Then they shared the most astonishing story. During a youth convention at their church, while they were worshiping and being filled with the Holy Spirit, a snake had crawled onto the sand-filled floor. These teenagers were so immersed in worship that they didn’t even notice it. At the end of the service, they discovered the long snake dead under their feet—trampled and crushed—while the girls were completely unharmed.

When they told that story, I was instantly reminded of Psalm 91 and how God protected believers who were under the wings of the Almighty.

After lunch, we spoke with the young girls and asked about the snake incident. They casually said, “Oh yes, Sister! We’ve even seen poisonous scorpions dead in the church on other days.” I looked at them in awe because these kinds of divine interventions seemed to them like an everyday occurrence.

To me, these young girls looked like warriors—fearless and full of joy. I could see that the joy of the Lord had become their strength. Every mouth exalted the name of Jesus, even in the midst of danger.

I’m not sure if I would have that same courage if I saw a cobra, but I realized that even the most dreadful situation is powerless under the shadow of the Almighty.

This scripture gives us confidence that whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. When you take refuge in His presence, no harm will overtake you, and no disaster will come near your dwelling.

Not only that, God has given you authority to take dominion over every power and principality through the blood of Jesus Christ.

You under the power of Satan or he under your feet depends on how powerfully you exercise your authority in Christ.

If looking around threatens you, look up to seek the Lord’s help and look down to read the Word of God. Then, in you, the Spirit of God will give strength to overcome it all.

You are victorious in every situation—a living testimony of God’s mighty hand at work. So get up from your lame self to walk over the scorpions and snakes.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for being my refuge and my fortress. Teach me to dwell in Your presence and not fear what surrounds me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may stand firm and fearless in every battle. Let my heart be steadfast, trusting in You, and may Your joy be my strength all the days of my life.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.