The folks that live in the western Serbian village of Zarozje have received a pretty unique public warning. Recently the town’s mayor sent out a caution that a vampire was on the loose. And since he wasn’t kidding, the townsfolk are stocking up on garlic bulbs and crosses.

The supposed vampire is named Sava Savanovic. Legend has it that he used to live in an old water mill and would prey on people as they sought grain at the mill. When the mill collapsed, the vampire was homeless and now is our searching for new blood and a new home.

You might ask, “Do people really believe this stuff?”

Tales like this one have circulated throughout Eastern Europe for centuries. Serbia happens to have a large number of infamous vampire myths and they just keep on scaring the uninformed. It is our human nature to try and explain difficult matters in as simple a way as possible. Bad things are happening. Logic goes something like this…it must be a vampire at work.

When I read this little on line article in “The Week,” I was so grateful that the Lord has not left us ignorant. When we are faced with difficult situations and things that cause us fear, we’re invited to drink deeply from His word and find instruction and comfort.

This particular vampire story made me think about our real enemy, Satan. And, I immediately thought of the scripture in I Peter 5:8. The Lord knew we needed clear instruction and so He said, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of suffering.”

Peter wrote this to the scattered churches of the Roman Empire who were suffering under great persecution. He knew that bad things were happening everywhere. Fear was rampant. The unthinkable was being perpetrated on the believers. God wanted to make sure the churches were informed-Satan is at work.

You and I are not under that kind of persecution. The pressures on our society are different, but make no mistake; the believer is “under duress.” This week might be a good time to start up a conversation with a Godly friend and consider the ways your faith is under attack. And instead buying up a lot of garlic, take heed to Peter’s instruction…be alert, have a sober mind, keep your eyes peeled for the sneaky enemy who still seeks to destroy our testimony and influence.

A cross waved in fear isn’t called for. The cross implanted in our hearts will sustain us.

By His Grace and for His Glory,
Sherry L. Worel