Do Not Be Devoured, Stand-fast

‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We journey through our lives as believers in Christ from grace to glory, from justification to glorification, from the Cross to the Crown. As we travel through life, there are many lessons that we all must learn, and the Holy Spirit is our teacher.

The Word of God provides all the instructions that we need for life and Godliness, for our faith rests on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself being the chief Cornerstone.

We do not live in a benign and gentle world. The evil one and his demons are constantly at work, trying to tempt, distract, and destroy us. Peter was writing to people in a similar location and with similar challenges to remind them to be spiritually alert! Why? Because our enemy is powerful, like a lion on the prowl looking for its next meal.

Peter penned two important insights with God’s finger as his pen. We can stand strong in our faith, resist and defeat him. As James said, we can humble ourselves "before God and we can resist the devil, and he will flee" from us. And resistance isn't futile, in fact, resistance is powerful when we draw close to God!

Satanic attack is the reality of being a part of the family of God in a world still under the influence of Satan. But, on the cross, Jesus triumphed over the devil and his demons. We can strengthen our relationships with God and His children to help us stand firm and be strong.

We can pray for each other, encourage each other, and support one another. Having godly relationships empowers us to resist attacks from ungodly people and powers. The Spirit of God within us is stronger than the evil powers of the dark world arrayed against us.

On our journey through life, we are called to be humble and hopeful, and to show a loving concern for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are also called to be on our guard and to be watchful in this increasingly godless society.

We are called to be sober, serious-minded, and to remain spiritually alert to the wiles of the evil one, "Because our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Satan can dress himself up in many guises and disguises. He slithers into the lives of believers as the evil serpent, seducing those that are unprepared for his malicious advances and causing many to follow after worldly pursuits or fall into moral corruption.

So, let's support each other, draw near to each other in holy relationships, and draw close to our Father in heaven. We can find our strength in God and His family!!!

Father thank You for this day for the amazing grace to walk in it. Lord pour out Your abundant blessings over my friend and family today. Lord keep us clear headed and watchful in these last days before Jesus returns. Lord we know that Satan is prowling around seeking to destroy our witness and cause us to stumble. Lord we pray that we may take this warning seriously and rely on You in all things so that I may not falter and fumble but stand fast in this evil day. Lord use my friend to be someone’s blessing today.

Father, we love You. Amen !